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A 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND; 



WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSA(;HUSETTS, 



WITH A 



BIOGRAPHY OF ITS FIRST SETTLERS. 



BY JONAS REED, 



Every child should know the history of its native Town. 



WORCESTER: 
MIRICK & BARTLETT, PRINTERS. 



18 3 6. 







WORCESTER: 

Reprinted from the Edition of 1836, in the style of the original, 

By Tyler & Seageave, 

1879. 









TO 

THE YOUTH OF RUTLAND, 

AT HOME OR ABROAD, 

IN THE SUNSHINE OF PROSPERITY, 

ORIN THESHADE OFADVERSITY, 

THAT YOU MAY SHUN THE VICES AND CHERISH 

THE VIRTUES OF YOUR ANCESTORS, 

THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, 

BY YOUR AFFECTIONATE FRIEND, 

THE AUTHOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Believing it to by the indispensable duty of every son 
and daughter of Adam to be active and useful in the 
sphere Providence has phiced them, I have, being by 
sickness partially deprived of the use of my limbs, for my 
own amusement and information, and that my last days 
might not be wholly useless, spared no reasonable exertions 
to acquire a knowledge of the first settlers and settlement 
of Rutland. 

Although not born within its limits, yet, having the day 
after my birth received the seal of baptism in its first 
meeting-house, and having lived upwards of seventy years 
at my present residence, I feel interested in its welfare 
and prosperity, especially in its children and youth. 
Knowing that many of you have acquired a knowledge of 
your country and globe, and believing it would be inter- 
esting and pleasing to you to have the means of becoming 
better acquainted with the place of your birth ; and that by 
contrasting the dangers, difficulties and deprivations of the 
first settlers with your own safety, enjoyment and privi- 
leges, it may inspire you with gratitude to the great Au- 
thor of all events, and perpetuate a pleasing and grate- 



VI IN r R O D U CTI O N. 

ful remembrance of yonr ancestors ; and relying on the can- 
dor of your parents and your good will, I have prepared- a 
concise Geographical, Historical and Biographical Sketch 
of persons, incidents and facts connected with the same, 
the Revolutionary War, and of the most prominent occur- 
rences down to the present time, collected from the Pro- 
prietor's Book, Town and Church Records, Whitney's 
History of the County of Worcester, Worcester Maga- 
zine, aged people, and from my own knowledge and ob- 
servation ; many occurrences are verbatim from the original 
authors, to all of whom I tender due acknowledgments. 

It has been my aim to be impartial in selecting persons, 
incidents and facts, and to be more particular to such as 
are of ancient date. Many things worthy to be perpetuat- 
ed, no doubt, will for want of information and room be 
omitted, but nothing inserted, that there is any doubt of 
its authenticity. It is the ardent desire of the compiler 
that you may shun the errors and vices of your ancestors, 
and imitate them in all things that are praiseworthy. 

If these pages should be of any assistance to the future 
bistorian, and their perusal be as pleasing to the reader, 
as the collection of the facts has been perplexing to the 
author, his labor has not been useless. 

J. R. 
^ Rutland, May, 1836. 



CONTENTS, 



Page. 

An outline of the Twelve Miles Square — Indian Deed, 9 

An outline of the Adjoining Towns, - - - - 12 

Proprietors' Meeting, - - - - - - 15 

Six Miles Square — House Lots, - - - - 16 

Committee of Rutland — Meadows, - - - 18 

House Lots and after divisions confirmed, - - - 20 

Proprietors' Committee, . . - _ . 22 

Rutland — When Incorporated, - - - - - 25 

By whom Rutland was peopled, - - - - 28 

Lands, Waters, &c., -__-.. 29 

Hills, 34 

Vales or Valleys, 37 

Localities, -------- 38 

Roads in Rutland, -------41 

County of Worcester — When Incorporated, - - 46 

School Districts, ----__. 49 

Schools, -_,---__ 50 

Resources of Rutland, - - - - - - 56 

Revolutionary War — Stamp Act, - - - - 60 

Barracks, - - - - - - - -04 

Shay's War, 66 

Buildings, &c., --._-. _ 67 

Sickness, -----_-_ 69 

Accidents by Guns — Casualties by Water, - - 70 

Casualties by Fire, - - - - 71 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Extract from Rev. Mr. Whitney's History of Rutland, 73 
Ecclesiastical History, - . - - 74 

Mr. Frink's Answer, - - - - 75 

Solemn Covenant, - - - - 76 

Mr. Frink's Ordination, - - - - 79 

Mr. Sewall's Gift, . ... 80 

Rev. Mr. Frink's Dioraission, - - - 81 

Presbyterians, ----- 82 

Mr. Thomas Marsh — Church Meeting — Mr. Buckminster, 83 
Town Meeting — Mr. Buckminster's Answer, - 84 

Rev. Hezekiah Goodrich, - - - 85 

Mr. Goodrich's Ordination, - - - - 86 

Church Meeting — Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster, - 87 

Mr. Foster's Answer, - - - - 88 

Mr. Foster's Ordination, - - - 90 

Church Meeting — Rev. Josiah Clark, - . - 91 

Ministers of Rutland — When Settled, Dismissed or Died — 
Deacons of the Church — When Chosen — Members of 
the Church at different periods. 93 

Baptisms — Marriages, - - - - 94 

Indians, ----- 95 

Biographical Sketches of College Graduates and other 

individuals belonging to Rutland, - - 97 

Enterprise, - - - - - -164 

Pensioners, - - - - - 168 




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HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



AN OUTLINE OF THE TWELVE MILES SQUARE. 



INDIAN DEED. 



On the 22(1 of December, 1686, Joseph Trask, alias 
Puagastion, of Pennicook ; Job, alias Pompamamay, of 
Natick ; Simon Piticom, alias Wananapan, of Wamassick ; 
Sassawannow, of Natick, James Wiser, alias Qualipunit, 
of Natick, (Indians who claimed to be lords of the soil,) 
gave and executed a Deed to Henry Willard, Joseph 
Rowlandson, Joseph Foster, Benjamin Willard and Cypri- 
an Stevens, for 23/. of the then currency, of a certain 
tract of land containing twelve miles square, according to 
the butts and bounds following, viz. " The name in general 
being Naquag, the South corner butting upon Musco- 
pauge Pond, and running North to Quauitick and to Wan- 
chatopick, and so running upon great Watchusett, which 
is the North corner ; so running Northwest to Wallaman- 
umpscook, and so to Quapuanimawick, a little pond, and 
so to Asnaconcomick Pond, which is the Northwest corner ; 
and so running South and so to Musshauge a great swamp, 
and so to Sassakataffick which is the South corner ; and so 
running East to Pascatickquage, and so to Ahumpatun- 
1 



10 HISTORY OF riTtland. 

sbauo-e, a little pond, and so to Sumpauge Pond, and so to 
Muscopauge, which is the East corner." This Indian 
Deed, signed and acknowledged by the above named Indi- 
ans, was received April I4th, 1814, and entered with the 
record of deeds, for the county of Middlesex, liber IG, 
page 511, by Samuel Phips, register. 

CONFIRMED BY THE GENERAL COURT. 

UroN the petition of the sons and grandsons of Major 
Simon Willard,* of Lancaster, deceased, and others, for 
approbation and confirmation of their title to the above 
tract of land, the General Court, on the 23d of February, 
1713, passed this order, ''That the lands in the Indian 
Deed, and according to their butts and bounds, be confirm- 
ed to the children of the said Simon Willard, deceased, or 
to their legal representatives, and to tlie other petitioners? 
or their legal representatives and associates, provided that 
within seven years time there then be 60 families settled 
thereon and sufficient lands reserved for the use of a gospel 
ministry and schools, except what part thereof the Hon. 
Samuel Sewall, Esq., hath already purchased, and that 
this grant shall not encroach upon any former grant or 
grants, nor exceed the quantity of twelve miles square. — 
The town to be called Rutland, and to lye to the county of 
Middlesex." 

But this order, resolve or act of Court was not consid- 
ered as 'an act of incorporation as wnll hereafter appear. 

This tract of land contained 93,160 acres, including 1000 
acres for the Hon. Mr. Sewall ; and was surveyed by 

* This wa3 the fjimous Major Willard who went to reUeve Brooli- 
field when beset by the Indians. 



TIISTOIIY OF KUTLANr. 11 

William Ward, in October, 1715. The names of the orig- 
inal proprietors of UiUland as named in the associate deed, 
and their shares are, (Joseph Foster had two shares, the 
]-est had one share each,) Cyprian's Steven's wife, IVIary 
AVillard's heirs, Joseph Rowlandson's heirs, Simon Wil- 
lard, John Willard, Benjamin Willard, Joseph Wiilard, 
Josiah Willard's heirs, Rev. Samuel Willard's heirs 
Henry Willard's heirs, Daniel Willard's heirs, Jonathan 
Willard's heirs, Thomas Brintnal, Nathaniel Howard's 
heirs, Robert Blood's lieirs, Joshua Edmund's heirs, and 
Col. William Taylor, Penn Townsend, Paul Dudley, Ad- 
ington Davenport, Col. Adam Winthrop, Capt. Thomas 
Hutchinson. JMajor Thomas Fitch, Thomas Howe, John 
Chandler, Col. \\ illiam Dudley, Esqrs., Mr. John White, 
John Farnsworth, Col. Buckley's heirs, Moses Parker, 
and Jacob Stevens, — in all thirty-three shares. 

BOUNDS AND CONTENTS OF THE TWELVE 
MILES SQUARE. 

Within the aforesaid grant is about one eighth part of 
the County of Worcester, comprising what now is Rut- 
land, Oakham, Barre, Hubbardston, the greatest part of 
Princeton, and about one-half of Paxton ; and was bound- 
ed as follows, viz.: Southerly and ^Easterly on Worcester 
a')out 8 miles — on Leicester W. 7 degrees, N. 7 1-2 
miles — by New Braintree Farms and the Country N. 41 
degrees, W. 11 miles — by the Country E. 30 degrees 
N. 13 miles — and by the Country S. 30 degrees, E. 11 
miles. 



12 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

AN OUTLINE OF THE ADJOINING TOWNS. 



BARRE. 

Tfhs was the Northwest part of Rutland's orii^inal grant ; 
it was made a district by act of the Legislature in the year 
1749, and called Rutland District, until June 14, 1774, 
when it was made a town, and the name of Bari'e was given 
to it, as a token of respect to a great and worthy friend 
of America, at that time a member of the British House 
of Commons. The Church of Christ in this place was 
gathered July .30th, 1753, and the Rev. Thomas Frink 
was instal'ed their pastor, on the last Wednesday in Octo- 
ber following. 

HUBBARDSTON. 

This was called " the Northeast quarter of Rutland," 
being wholly included in the original grant of that town, 
and was incorporated on the 12th day of June. 17G7, and 
called Hubbardston, to perpetuate the name and memory 
of the late Hon. Thomas Hubbard, Esq., of Boston, who 
had been sometime speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives ; a member of the corporation of Harvard University, 
in Cambridge, and a large proprietor of lands in this place. 
The Congregational Church in Hubbardston was embodied 
on the loth of June, 1770, and on the same day the Rev. 
Nehemiah Parker was ordained their pastor. 

PRINCETON. 

On the 20th of October, 1751), the General Court of 



HrSTORV OF RUTLAND. 13 

Mrt5;snchusetts passed an act for incorporating the East 
Wing, so called, of Rutland, together with sundry farms 
and some public lands contiguous thereto; and gave the 
. place the name of Princeton, to perpetuate the name and 
memory of the late Rev. Thomas Prince, colleague pastor 
of the Old South Church in Boston, and a large proprietor 
of this tract of land, whose daughter and only surviving 
child, the Hon. Judge Gill married for his first wife. On 
the 12th of August, 1764, the Church of Christ was em- 
bodied in this town. The Rev. Timothy Fuller was or- 
dained their first pa.«tor on the 9th day of September, 1767. 
The purt of Princeton Uiken from Rutland was surveyed 
f.)r the proprietors, and laid out into forty-eight farms of 
two hundred and thirty-seven acres each, and a strip of 
two hundred and fifty acres undivided. 

OAKHAM. 

The whole of this town was included in that tract of 
land of twelve miles square, which was purchased of the 
Indians, confirmed to the petitioners, and called Rutland, 
in the year 1713, 

After the town of Rutland was incorporated, this 
part was called Rutland West Wing, until the year 1759, 
when the inhabitants had certain privileges granted them' 
and the place was called the Precinct of Rutland West 
Wing, until its incorporation by an act of the Legislature, 
June 7th, 1762, when the name of Oakham was given to 
it. The Church of Christ in this place was embodied in 
Presbyterian form August 28th, 1767, and the Rev. John 
Strictland was ordained their pastor, April 1st, 1768. 
Oakham was lotted and numbered for the proprietors 
1* 



14 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

into forty-eight farms of two hundred and fifty acres each, 
exclusive of several remnants. 

HOLDEN. 

Although no part of the twelve miles square, it cor- 
ners within two miles of Rutland meeting-house. The 
town of Holden was taken wholly from the town of Wor- 
cester, being included in their original grants. It was in- 
corporated on the 9th of January, 1740. The 'Church of 
Christ in this place was formed on the 22d of December, 
1742, and on the same day the Rev. Joseph Davis was 
ordained their first pastor. Holden had its name given 
to it, to perpetuate the name and deeds of the Hon. 
Samuel Holden, Esq., one of the directors of the 
Bank of England, and of his lady and their amiable 
daughters, who had been great and generous benefactors 
to the literary and religious interests of this country. This 
worthy, benevolent man transmitted to New England for 
charitable purposes, in books and bills of exchange, to the 
amount of 4847/., New England currency. After his de- 
cease, Mrs. Holden and daughters sent over in value 
,65851 for the same noble and pious uses. 

With part of this latter sum, Holden Chapel, in the 
University of Cambridge, in Massachusetts, was erected 
in the year 1745. 

PAXTON. 

This was taken from the towns of Leicester and Rut- 
land, in nearly equal parts ; and was incorporated on the 
12th of February, 1765, when it received its name from 
Charles Paxton, a Commissioner of the Customs, &c« 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 15 

The Church in Puxton was embodied September 3d, 1767. 
The Rev. Sihvs Bigelow was ordained thetr first minister, 
October 2l8t, 1767. The part of Paxton set off from 
Rutland held their share of town, churcli, and military 
officers for about fifty years, united in erecting public 
buildings, and in the worship of the sanctiuiry. The fol- 
lowing persons liad pews in the meeting-house erected in 
1759. Samuel Brown, Jahazaniah Newton, Hezekiah 
Newton, Samuel Man, Ephraim Moore, • Paul How, Jona- 
than Knight, Stephen Barret, James McKennan. Pax- 
ton being set off, the pews became the property of Rut- 
land, and the money paid for them was refunded. The 
following were the persons that petitioned to be set off in 
May, 1763. John Snow, Samuel Brown, Eleazer Ward, 
Jahazaniah Newton, James Ames, Jacob Sweetser, Abel 
Brown, Ephraim Moore, Hezekiah Newton, Benjamin 
Sweetser, James McKenan, James Black, William Allen, 
James Brown, David Goodenow, Silas Bellows, Phinehas 
Moore, Aaron Hunt, and David Bent. All of the above- 
named were set off except David Bent. 

The families set off from Rutland to Paxton were 
worthy, respectable people ; some of their descendants 
are now inhabitants of Rutland of the fifth generation. 

PROPRIETORS' MEETING. 

The proprietors, at a meeting at Boston, December 
14th, 1715, voted tiiat the contents of six miles square be 
surveyed, and set off for the settlement of 62 families in 
order to the performance of the condition of the grant. 
The six miles square, granted to men who would go on 
and settle, was that part which is now called Rutland. 

And at said meeting, appointed Thomas How, Stephen 



16 HlrfTORY OF RUTLAND. . 

Minot, Thomas Smith, Estes Hatch, Jucob Stevens, 
Ephraim Wilder, and Samuel Wright, a committee to 
transact the concerns of the proprietors ; and to see that 
justice and equity was done to the settlers. And also at 
said m_eeting, the proprietors for divers considerations, 
(one of which was to promote a mill,) granted unto Capt. 
Benjamin Willard one-third part of a thirty-third part of 
said township, or nine hundred and thirty acres. 

SIX MILES SQUARE. 

Agreeable to the vote of the proprietors, the committee 
surveyed and set off lands equal to six miles square 
which was bounded on Worcester, W. 34 degrees, S. 2 
miles 191 rods, then S. 12 degrees, E. 3 miles 293 rods; 
Leicester, W. 7 degrees, N. 5 miles 50 rods ; AVest Wing 
N. 11 degrees, W. 6 miles 283 rods; on the country or 
proprietors, E. 30 degrees, N. 4 miles 183 rods ; East AVing 
S. 39 degrees, E. 5 miles 114 rods. 

This survey includes that part of Paxton set off from 
Rutland. 

HOUSE LOTS. 

After the survey of the six miles, the committee sur- 
veyed and laid out sixty-two house lots for the settlers, 
in clusters, of an oblong square, containing thirty acres 
each, in the most eligible and safe part thereof, and so 
calculated as to have a Fort, fortified House or Garrison, 
in each cluster to flee to, when invaded by the foe. — 
The part set off was called the six miles square or settling 
part of Rutland until its incorporation. The House Lots 
being surveyed, numbered, pitched or drawn, the young 
settlers joined in companies, swung their packs, shoulder- 



p niSTORY OE RUTLAND. 17 

ed their guns, with their axes and provisions on their 
biicks,* or on a pack horse, marched through the woods 
over the hills and vallej^s to what are now the pleasant hilig 
of Rutland, wheie beside a large tree or great log, with 
[)oles, hemlock bows and birch bark, they built a cabin 
to deposit their stores, and to sleep in at night. 

Then each in his own lot began to fell trees, and clear 
a spot to raise something for the coming year, and to erect 
a log hut. Their food was wild game, or such as they 
carried from home on their backs or on horses, — their 
<]rink was from the fountain, — their lodging in their blank- 
ets, — when weary or hungr3% no father's cellar or mother's 
cupboard to go to, — or smiling wife to take a cup of tea 
with. After performing their summer's work, the}^ returned 
to their friends. The next season they resumed the 
felling of trees, and gathered their grain ; some put up 
huts, and a few wintered in the woody settlement — the 
others returned to their friends again. The next spring 
the clearing of the land is resumed, — they have materials 
for making bread and vegetables of their own raising, — 
they commence moving their wives and children, and on 
September 23, 1719, the first male child was born in Rut- 
land, for which fortunate event he had one hundred acres of 
land ffiven him. He was son of Moses and Eunice How. 
So uniform and rapid was the settlement of Rutland that 
in four years after its commencement, they could number 
fifty families; and on June 7th, 1720, selected a place for 
the meeting-house to stand. Thus in four years from the 
first clearing of their land in 1716, they had a frame put 
Lip to meet in, for the worship of God ; and in this and the 

*Simon Davis carried a plough on his back several miles. 



18 HISTORY OF EUTLAND. • 

succeeding year the bouse was so far finished as to be a 
sanctuary for public worship. 

committp:e of Rutland. 

Ox June 7th, 1720, the committee of Rutland met to 
inquire into the state of the settlers, to see whether they 
had fulfilled their articles of settlement; said committee 
were Major Thomas How, Capt. Thomas Smith, Capt. 
Ephraim Wilder, Capt. Jacob Stevens, and Capt. Samuel 
Wright. My young friends, June being a pleasant month, 
I invite you (in imagination,) to accompany the committee 
through the woods, while they proceeded to go from house 
to house and lot to lot to view them ; to see how far thej 
had fulfilled their engagements, as they take an account 
of each house, family, and improvement. This was an im- 
portant visit to the young settlers, for much depended 
on the decision of the committee. The father with hat in 
in his hand, and a long and low bow at a distance, — the 
mother at the door, with a modest blush and low courtesy, 
presents her little ones, — some make a rustic bow o.' court- 
esy, and some hide their heads under their motiiers' aprons. 
Nearly all the settlers had the gratification of the sanction 
of the committee, the others their time lengthened. 

MEADOWS. ' 

It being difl[icult for the settlers to procure sustenance 
for their cattle, they presented at this meeting of the com- 
mittee the foUow^ing petition : 

" To the GenCn the Committee of Rutland : 

Hiimhly sheweth^ — H\\k.T whereas your petitioners are by 
you received on to Settling Lots, on several Conditions and 



1 . HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 19, 

I Provisions, and tlie time limited for tlie performance is not 
yet expired, and ^ye to continue here by obligation the 
lerm, whicli will be one whole year more before we can% 
be ot age to act as a Town, and are in necessity to keep 
our cattle here for our Livelihood, and the maintenance of 
our families. But our Meadows lying undivided, and so 
unfenced, are Eaten up, so that we see no way to get fodder 
for our cattle, unless the meadows are Lotted out, that 
every man may fence his part. We therefore Request 
you will lay out a Lot of four acres, or as much more as 
the Committee may think fit and convenient,— and we the 
Settlers will be at the charge of surveying it,-Each one 
his proportion according to our respective Rights of mead- 
ows or swamp, we likewise desire the said Lots of mead- 
ow or swamp may be Squadroned out, and set out to each 
Lot by the aforesaid Committee, as they think most Just 
and Best, or by Lot, which the said Committee may think 
most proper, and your petitioners will ever pray, &c." 
Jacob Farrar, Cyprian Wright, Samuel Ball, Eleazer 
Ball, Ebenezer Davis, Jonathan Waldo, Thomas Read, 
Eleazer Heywood, John Dakin, John Lecore, Joseph 
Haynes, Joseph Graves, John Butcher, Henry Yewers, 
Jonathan Brown, Malcam Hendry, Simon Davis, James - 
Browning, Joseph Harrise, Joseph Stevens, Isaac Gibbs, 
John Crosby, Moses How, Joseph Wood, Samuel Goode- 
now, Joseph Goodenow, Nathaniel Galusha, William 
McCarter, Samuel Davis, Benjamin Fletcher, Robert 
JMclem, Robert Patrick, William Allen and Co., Jonathan 
Sewall, John Smith, Peter Cutler, Jonas Clarke, Estes 
Hatch, Thomas Smith, Thomas How, Jacob Stevens, 
Henry Franklyn, Thomas Fitch, James Pitts, John Char- 
nock, John Buttolph, Samuel Sewall." 

The above petition, signed June 10, 1720, was 



20 HISTORY OF RTJTLANP. 

granted, and each settler had equal to five aa-es of clear 
meadow assigned to him, with the number and meadow 
It was laid out in. 

The lots were laid out, numbered, and squadroned as 
follows, viz : 

1st Squadron. South meadow and some small ones, 5 Lot s 
2nd On Long meadow Brook and Plain, 1 6 

3d On Ware River — Centre and Mud- 

dy Brook, 9 

4th At Pomagussett, (Indian name,) 5 

5th At Ash Swamp, &c., 3 

6th South of Grass Hill, and Cedar 

Swamp, 5 

7th In Town or Meeting House Meadow, 7 

8th A Swamp above Meeting House, 

or Ministry' Lot, G 

9th In various parts of the divisions, Sic. 7 

These meadows have changed owners, yet some retain 
their ancient boundaries, 

HOUSE LOTS AND AFTER DIVISIONS CON^ 
FIRMED. 

At a meeting of the Committee of Rutland, at the House 
of Capt. Samuel Wright, on Monday A. M., the 26th of 
June, 1721, 

Voted, " Tliat, that Lot with all its Rights and after Divi- 
sions, which was formerly Designed for the Ministry Lot 
in Rutland, next adjoining to the Meeting House plot, No, 
61, be now appropriated to and for the first Minister that 
shall be Ordained at Rutland, and that shall settle at 
Rutland, and continue there in the Ministry, for three 



HISTORY OF RUTLA.ND. 21 

years after he is ordained there, (Exeept prevented by 
death) to him, his heirs and assigns forever. 

'' And that Lot No. G2, next adjoining on tlie Westward* 
to AVilliam Blair's Lot, No. 17, be for, and appropriated to 
the use of the Ministry in the said Town forever. 

'•And That, that Lot, No. G3,next adjoining to tlie Minis- 
try Lot, be appro[)riated to the use of a Scliool in said 
Town forever." 

And at said meeting on Monday P. M., the 26th of June, 
1721, 

Whereas the persons hereafter named having performed 
and fuliilled their agreement and conditions, in order to 
their having their several Lots and Tracts of lands in the 
Contents of six miles square, the settling part in Rutland 
Confirmed to them, &c. 

Voted, '• That the several 30 acre House Lots, with their 
after Divisions, and other Tracts of Lands hereafter men- 
tioned, be confirmed to the Persons, or uses, hereafter 
mentioned or named as a sure Estate of Inheritance to 
them, their heirs and assigns forever. And accordingly 
be so recorded on Rutland Town Book, viz : That to Col. 
Thomas Fitch, Esq., his heirs and assigns forever, that 
thirty acre Lot, No. 43, with all its after Rights and Divi- 
sions. — And to all in the annexed Table in a similar man- 
ner, except Daniel Shepard and John Barker, who had two 
Lots, one being the Mill Lot, and Benjamin Willard who 
had one whole third part of a vvhole share, or thirty-third 
.part, or nine hundred and thirty acres of land in the afore- 
said contents of six miles square, or settling part of Rut- 
land. The above House Lots and after Divisions were 
confirmed and signed by Thomas How, Stephen Minot, 
Thomas Smith, Estes Hatch, Jacob Stephens and Samuel 
Wright. 2 



22 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND, 



THE PROPRIETORS' COMMITTEE. 

After the settlers had performed their conditions, the six 
miles square was confirmed to them, and incorporated as a 
town. The Proprietors of the township of Rutland or of 
th^ twelve miles square in all future meetings, had nothing 
to do with said six miles square, which is now the town of 
Rutland. 

Those persons to whom the six miles square was con- 
firmed, and after the town was incorporated, were consid- 
ered as Proprietors thereof, and in nil future meetings and 
transactions, managed their own affairs. 

The annexed Table exhibits the Persons to whom the 
six miles square was confirmed, — and were the Proprie- 
tors of Rutland. 

First column, the Proprietor's name, — second, the num- 
ber of his Lot, — third, the present owner or occupier. 



PROPRIETORS. 


No. 
1 


PRESENT OWNERS, &c. 


Samuel Wright, 


Dea. Murdock, Hiram J, Townsend. 


Cyprian Wright, 


2 


Dea. William Mead. 


Jacob Stevens, 


3 


Aaron Clark, Jonathan Clark. 


Jacob Stevens, 


4 


Rogers, Forbes, Darling, Reed, 
Brown. 


Robert Patrick & Co. 


5 


Dr. G. Estabrook, Dea. J. Wood- 
bury. 


Simon Davis, 


6 


Daniel king's heirs. 


William Blair, 


7 


Dr. John Frink. 


Samuel Ball, 


8 


Dr. John Frink. 


Josiah Haynes, 


9 


J. and G. Estabrook. 


Joseph Wright, 


10 


Frink, Fessenden, Parker. 


Estes Hatch, 


11 


Emery Parker. 


Samuel Sewall, 


12 


J. Woodbury and J. Stone. 


Graves and Barnard, 


13 


Watson, Baker, Read, Rogers. 


Clarke and Hendry, 


14 


King, Brown, Read. 


Joseph Stevens, 


15 


Charles Smith, E. Moore. 


Ezekiel Day, 


16 


Taylor Estabrook, C. Marsh. 


William Blair, 


17 


E. Adams, A. Preston. 



TTESTORY OF RUTLAND. 



23 



PROPRIETOKS. 


No 

18 


PRESENT OWNERS, &c. 


Daniel Shepard. 


William Hubbard. • 


Hcnrv Franklyn, 


19 


Sardine Muzzy. 


David Melvin, 


20 


E. Wheeler and J. Estabrook. 


Jonathan Willard, 


21 


J. Davis and L. Bartlctt. 


Thomas Read, 


22 


J. Temple, D. Read's heirs. 


Jacob Fanar, 


28 


Joel Temple. 


Ebenezer Davis, 


24 


L. Bartlett and J. Temple. 


Samne! Stone, 


2.-, 


Stone, Hooker, Monroe, 


Jonathan Waldo, 


2{) 


Ebenezer il. Miles. 


Jonathan Waldo, 


27 


Barzlllia Miles. 


J. and J. Crosby. 


28 


Joel Davis, Esq. 


Benjamin Fletcher, 


20 


Joel Davis, Esq. 


John Dakin, 


80 


Joel Davis Esq. 


Joh'.i Barber, 


31 


R. Wheeler and R. Woodis, 


Mark Perkins, 


32 


D. R- per and E. Wood. 


John Charnock, 


33 


Williams, Stratton, Cheney. 


Edward Rice, 


34 


Joseph Buss. 


Jonathan Sewall, 


35 


Jonas Stone. 


Jonathan Willard, 


36 


J. Stone and J. Rogers. 


John Bnttolph, 


37 


Zadock Gates, Esq.'s heirs. 


Wm. and J. Allen, 


38 


T. Uaynes, J. Marsh. 


Thomas Wheeler, 


39 


Daniel Demond. 


Thomas .Smith, 


40 


D. and O. Demond. 


James Pitts, 


41 


D. and 0. Demond, G. Smith. 


Michael Gill, 


42 


Georsce Smith. 


Thomas Fitch, 


43 


William Hubbard. 


John Smith, 


44 


.loel Wilson. 


John Jeffries. 


45 


Joel Wilson. 


Samnel Goodenow, 


40 


Andrew Putnam. 


Thomas How, 


47 


Andrew Putnam. 


Isaac Gibbs, 


48 


A. Hice, D. Rice, J. Smith. 


Daniel How, 


49 


T. Flint and G. S. Flint. 


Moses How 


50 


S. and J. Williams. 


Estes Hatch, 


51 


Nathan Wilson. 


Jonas Clark, 


52 


Charles Lewis Newton. 


James Brownin;?, 


53 


E. White, Charles Browning. 


Eleizir Browne, 


54 


Jedediah Estabrook, Snow. 


Samuel Davis, 


55 


Adonijah Bartlett. 


Joseph Stevens, 


56 


Edwin and David TTenrv. 


Georjje Ifobbins, 


57 


Joel, Wm. and J. Hubbard. 


Eleazer Ball, 


58 


Jeremy Rogers. 


E'--azer Heywood, 


59 


Elisha Sumner and Son. 


Edward Rice, 


60 


Bartlett, Monroe. Reed. 


Minister Lot, 


01 


Meeting-house, G. Fay, Benton, 
Dean. 


Ministry Lot, 


62 


Rev. Josiah (Jlarke. 


School Lot 


63 


Sanmel King and Sons. 



24 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

After deducting a prior grant of one thousand acres to 
Hon. Samuel Sewall, Esq., — one thousand acres to the 
Province^ or Artillery Farm. — nine hundred and thirty 
acres, the grant to Capt. Benjamin Willard, — 10 acres 
for Public use, — ^and for Water and Roads, eight hundred 
and* eighty-five acres, 

The six miles square was honorably, justly and peacea- 
bly divided among the Proprietors named in the foregoing 
Table in the following manner. In 17 1 G, the Committee 
of the Grand Proprietors, as before stated, set olf to each 
settler a House lot of thirty acres. 30 acres. 

June 27, 1720, Meadow Lot of o 

May 15, 1723, First division of upland, 150 

June 28, 1728, Pine Plain Lots, 5 

May 21, 1729, Second Division, 55 

May 18, 1743, Third, 30 

May 20, 1747, Fourth, ' 15 

May 29, 1751, Fifth, 10 

Dec. 10, 1757, Sixth, 5 



Total of division 305 acres. 

The admeasurement of the town proving large, some 
remnants of land were sold in 1794, and the proceeds were 
divided among the Proprietors. The concerns of the 
Proprietory did not close until 1797. IMany of the l)ounds i 
of the House Lots, Division and Meadow Lots, now are 
the same as first laid out. That each Proprietor might 
have an equal value of land, prior, to a division, tlie laying 
out Committee selected a Lot for a Standard, to equalize 
by, if the division was better than the standard, he had 
less, if not so good, more acres. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 25 



RUTLAND. 

Rutland is situated on the height of land fifty miles a 
little North of West from the city of Boston, forty East of 
the Connecticut River, twelve Northwest of Worcester, 
au equal distance from New Hampshire on the North, and 
Connecticut on the South, and at Bigelow's mills eight 
hundred and seventy feet higher than tide water at Boston. 
According to a recent survey, is bounded on Holden 1371 
rods, Paxton I3G6, Spencer 361, Oakham 2203, Barre 
580, Hubbardston 883, and on Princeton 1714 — contains of 
land and water 20,439 acres. 

WHEN INCORPORATED. 

The lands in the six miles square being confirmed to the 
settlers, a petition was presented to the General Court, and 
they, sometime in their session, which was begun at 
Boston, on Wednesday the 30th of May, 1722, passed an 
act of incorporation, entitled, " An act for further estab- 
lishing the town of Rutland, and empowering them to choose 
all proper officers, and for empowering them to raise and 
collect money for the defraying the necessary charges of 
the said tow^n. Forasmuch it appears that the proprietors 
of the township of Rutland, have performed the conditions 
of the grant made thereof by the Great and General As- 
sembly of this Province in 1713, Be it enacted by his Ex- 
cellency the Governor, the Council, and House of Rep- 
resentatives in General Court assembled, and by the au- 
thority of the same, That the inhabitants and freeholders 
of the said tow^n of Rutland be invested with, and forever 

hereafter enjoy all the powers, privileges and immunities 
2* 



26 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

which other towns within this Province, by law, have and 
usually enjoy ; and that they be, and hereby are enabled 
to levy, assess and collect three pence per acre per an- 
num, for the space of two years aild a half from the first 
day of July last past, (the time that the minister began to 
officiate as a minister there,) on all the lands both improv- 
ed and unimproved, whether divided or undivided, contain- 
ed within the lines of the contents of six miles square, as is 
already laid out, and within which the present inhabitants 
seti.led ; and that the said land be subjected and made liable 
to the payment of the same, to defray the charge of build- 
ing the Meeting-house, and paying the minister's settle- 
ment and salary, excepting only the present minister's lot, 
and ministry lot, with their divisions, also the school lot; and 
also one thousand acres of land appertaining to Samuel 
Sewall, Esq., (the committee of Rutland having agreed for 
certain considerations with the said Samuel Sewall, Esq..) 
and five hundred acres of land appertaining to the Artilery 
Company of this Province, and eighty acres of land on and 
near Buck Brook, and one hundred and forty acres of land 
about Mill Brook, (being part of Benjamin Willard's nine 
hundred acres laid out there to promote a mill,) which 
said lands shall be free from said tax or assessment, any 
law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding." 
'• Passed in the House of Representatives, and in Coun- 
cil, and consented to by the Governor." " A true copy 
examined." i 

"Per JOSIAH WILLARD, Sec'y." 1 

From the foregoing statement, it appears that the whole 
grant of twelve miles square was named Rutland, in 1713; 
but only the six miles square, granted by the proprietors to 
.the settlers, was called Rutland, and incorporated as a 



HISTORY OF RUTLi\ND. 27 

town ; and that this was not done until the session of the 
General Court which was begun May oOth, 1722. And 
in consequence of the above icciied act, an order of* the 
General Court passt d July 6, 1722, authorizing and em- 
powering Capt. Samuel Wright to call a meeting of the 
freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Rutland, 
on the last Monday of July current, then to choose town 
officers to serve until the general jneeting in March next. 
The town was notified and met accordingly, and this was 
the first legal town meeting ever held in Rutland. 

CHOICE OF OFFICERS. 

Capt. Samuel Wright, Moderator. 
Samuel Wright, Town Clerk. 
" Samuel Wright, ) 

Ens. Joseph Stevens, >- Seledmen. 

Lieut. Simon Davis, ) 

Capt. Samuel Wright, > 

Ens. Joseph Stevens, > Assessors. 

Daniel How, ) 

Ens. Joseph Stevens, Town Treasurer. 

Moses How, [ Constables. 

Eleazer Hey wood, 

Daniel How, 

Edward Rice, 

Robert Mcleni, ( Surveyors of Highways. 

William Fin ton, J 

James Browning, ) m ,i • 

John Crawiord, ) 

Daniel How, ) r^ rr- 

T^ , , T1- Y rence Vieivers. 

Edward liice, ) 

Capt. Sam.uel Wright, Clerk of the Market. 

Peter Moore, Scaler of Leather. 

John Dakin, ^ 

Robert Mclem, >- Inspectors of Swine. 

Hugh Hamelton, ) 



28 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



BY WHOM RUTLAND WAS PEOPLED. 

The first settlers of Rutland were principally from re- 
spectable families in the flourishing towns of Boston, Lex- 
ington, Concord, Sudbury, Marlborough, Framingham, 
Lancaster, Brookfield, and emigrants from Ireland, sev- 
eral of whom brought letters testimonial of their church 
fellowship in Ireland. 

They were persons of courage, enterprise and sentiment, 
possessing something of the spirit of the Pilgrims, — left 
their native town or country, and bid farewell to friends, 
acquaintance, — a father's house, — a pleasant home, to 
settle in a howling wilderness, exposed day and night 
whether in the hut or field, to the wily and cruel Indian, — 
the lurking and ravenous bear and wolf. " A howling 
wilderness it was, where no man dwelt, the hideous yells 
of wolves, the shrieks of owls, the gobling of turkeys, — and 
the barking of foxes was all the musick we enjoyed, — no 
friends to visit, no soul in the surrounding towns — all a 
dreary waste, and exposed to a thousand difificulties," — no 
roads, mills, schools or sanctuary. The nearest settled 
towns were Lancaster, Worcester, Leicester and Brook- 
field, and these but thinly peopled; as late as 1702, 
the town of Worcester was entirely depopulated, and in the 
spring of 1715, had only one family, — Jonas Rice's. 

Leicester was not granted and settled but about one 
year before Rutland. Its first town meeting was held 
March 6, 1721, and their first minister installed in Septem- 
ber of the same year. 

Westminster was called Narraganset No. 2, until its 
incorporation, which was on the 20th of October, 1759. 



IIISTOKY OF JUTLAND. 29 

LANDS, WATERS, &c. 

Soil. — The soil is of the se\er;il varieties, from the 
deep, warm rich loam, to the di-y barren gravel or sand ; 
yet tliere is but little of the hitter description, or that which 
will not richly repay the judicious, industrious farmer for his 
labour. Professor Hitchcock in his Geology of Massa- 
chusetts did liot discover in Rutland rich mines of silver 
and gold, or quarries of valuable stone ; but it is evident 
that the produce of our farms will purchase good P>ank 
Bills. 

Wood. — The growth of wood is of many kinds, from 
the large high-wide-spread tree to the humble shi'ub. — 
such as Oak of all sorts, Chestnut, Walnut, Pine of all sorts, 
Beech, Ash, ]Ma})Ie of many kinds, Birch in its varieties, 
Po[)lar, Elm. Sassafras, Hemlock, Hacmatack, Cedar, &c. 

Watek. — Rutland being on the height of land, the 
East branch of Ware River, and water distilled from the 
clouds, is all the water of any consequence that flows into 
it. 

This branch of Ware River has its origin at the west 
side of Watchnsett Hill ; it flows into this town at its 
Northeast angle, taking a circuitous course, receiving sever- 
al tributary streams, running in this town five miles and 
sixty-nine chains, falling one hundred and one feet, it de- 
parts at the Northwest. 

Ivluschopauge Pond is of some note, being the starting 
and closing point of the Indian Deed. It covers about 
one liundred acres, is fed by springs, — its water is pure 
and deep, and is a reservoir for mills and factories. In 
1834, large dams, and a grist and saw niill wxre built a lit- 
tle distance from the pond in Holden. 

Round, Cedar Swamp, Evans, or Deraond Pond, has the 



I 



30 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

same qualities as Miiscbopauge, but is not so large, con- 
taining but sixty or seventy acres. Gregory or Long Pond 
is about a mile long but is narrow, resembling a large riv- 
er, is also fed by springs, and its waters are deep and pure ; 
and is also a reservoir for mills and factories. These ponds 
were formerly abundantly furnished with fish of a delicious 
flavor. 

Mill Brook received its name from having the first 
mills in Rutland carried by its power ; it has its main 
source from one of two springs that rise near each other, 
one-half mile East of the meeting-house; the waters of 
several other springs West of Muschopauge hill unite with 
this, and form a brook on which a considerable business 
is performed ; its course is Westerly through meeting-house 
meadow, and falls into Long Meadow Brook. 

Long Meadow Brook has its waters from Long Pond and 
Buck Brook, flows through long meadow, and unites with 
the Ware at New Boston school-house. 

Buck Brook issues from the Northeast corner of Cedar 
Swamp Pond, takes a circular course W estward and mixes 
with long Meadow Brook north of Long Pond. 

Pomagusset Brook is made of waters that flow from 
meadows and swamps near Princeton, runs Westerly 
throuo^h Pomai^nsset meadow and falls into the Ware. 

Harwood's Brook has its source near the last, but takes 
its course Southeasterly, and by the help of other streams 
forms a handsome brook before it leaves the town, and 
mixes its waters with the Quinepoxet in Ilolden. 

Sewall's Brook has its source North of Joyner's hill 
and runs Northerly through Sewall's meadow and falls into 
the Ware. 

Mulliken Brook is composed of the waters of several 
•prings that rise Easterly of Pound Hill, and when united 



I 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND 31 

make a considerable rivulet, and passes into Ilolden near 
its Northwest corner. 

Davis's Brook has its source at or near the same spring 
as Mill Brook; these two make a curiosity, as one mixes 
with the Connecticut and the other with the Merrimack. 

Wood Hill Hrook has its water from springs Northeast 
of Turkey Hill Pond runs Easterly and unites with Davis's 
Brook, and falls into Holden near the Northeast corner 
of Paxton. 

Dublin Brook has its source in swamps, runs Southerly 
and falls into Spencer near the bounds of Rutland and 
Paxton. 

Cold Brook has its source near Allen's Grant, runs 
Northerly across the old Turnpike and passes into Oakham. 

P'olly Brook has its source near Oak Hill, — waters 
the plains, — crosses Nichewoag road, and falls into 
Oakham. 

Steven's Brook has its source in Cranberry or Blood's 
swamp, runs Northerly and flows into Barre. 

Ball's Spring and the waters of Ash swamp unite, run 
Westerly and mix with waters of Cedar Swamp Pond. 

Rutland, although on the height of land, is well watered ; 
every farm is watered either with a pond, ri\er, brook or 
spring of pure and durable water. 

HEIGHT OF LAND. 

The height of land in the County of Worcester is in 
the towns of Ashburnham, Westminster, Princeton, Hol- 
den, Rutland, Paxton, Leicester, Spencer, and Sturbridge ; 
on the West of these towns all the water runs into the 
Connecticut River only. 



32 HISTORY OF KUILANL). 

In Ashburnham the water runs three ways, T^^est, South- 
east and Northeast ; in Westminster and Princeton the 
water runs E-.ist and West. From Shrewsbnry and Graf- 
ton, the water runs into Providence and JMerrimack rivers ; 
very little passes out of this County into Charles River, 
Part of the waters of Rutland, Paxton, Leicester and 
Spencer, and all of Brookfield, are emptied into Connecti- 
cut River in the town of Springfield. 

The other part of the waters of Rutland mix with the 
Avaters of Quinepoxet, and unite with Still River in Boyl- 
ston, which constitute the south branch of the Nashua, 
which unitinor with other rivers falls into the Merrimack. 

MILLS, FACTORIES, TURNING LATHES, &c. 

In the Northerly part of tliis town, nearly ecpiidistant 
from the towns of Rutland and Ilubbardston, on the great 
County Road leading from Worcester to Keene, are situat- 
ed Bigelow's Mills, on the East Branch of Ware River, 
which has also the privilege of the waters of the Asnacou- 
comick Pond as a reservoir, is equal to any in the town, 
and inferior to but few in the County for Mills, Factories, 
&e. There is at this time in operation at this seat and the 
site about forty rods below, a grist and saw mill, shingle 
and clapboard factory, &c. 

Dale's Mill Seat is on the same river, two miles and twen- 
ty chains below, in which the river falls between the 
two sites sixty-four feet. At this time, there is at this seat 
in operation a grist and saw mill, trip hammer, circular 
saws, lathes for carrying on the chair making business to 
the number of several thousands a year. There is water 
sufficient for a factory, or any kind of machinery carried 
by water power. Formerly, clothing business was carried 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 33 

on, at the opposite side of the river, where now measures 
and small wagons are made by Royal T. Brooks. 

A little below there has been a saw mill, and carding 
machine, owned by Ball and Earle. It is now occupied 
by John Dale for a chair shop or factory. 

On the lower falls of Poraagusset Brook there is a saw 
mill owned by William Davis. Some fifty or sixty years 
ago there was in operation at the falls above, a saw mill, 
owned by John Rice. 

On Mill Brook between Ministry and meeting-house 
meadows, there was formerly erected a grist mill by Capt. 
John Hubbard. Near the same place, Capt. King has 
built, and has now in operation, a board and shingle mill, 
circular, perpendicular and felloe saws, where considerable 
business is done. 

Below on the same stream, the first grist and saw mills 
were erected, ever built in Rutland ; the saw mill was built 
on mill farm, now owned by the Messrs. Hammonds ; the 
grist mill on mill lot, now owned by Reuben Woodis, on 
which he has built a shoe peg factory. Tradition says the 
grist mill was burnt by the Indians. 

At the upper falls of Long Meadow Brookj forty acres of 
upland and meadow were granted and laid out to Capt. 
Samuel Wright, April 4th, 1721, on which a saw mill was 
built by Ephraim Jones in 1728, and is one of the best 
sites for mills, factories, or any kind of machinery operated 
by water power, of any in this, or neighboring towns, 
[t is now owned by Joseph Demond, where he now has in 
)peration a grist mill, with two runs of stones, corn cracker, 
)olting sieve, saw and shingle mills, bolting saw, turning 
athe and slitting saw, all of which are carried by tub 
vheels, except the saw mill. 
3 



34 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



BUCK BROOK OR DEATHVILLE. 

A VILLAGE has been commenced at what was origi- 
nally called Buck Brook, in which are in operation a sat- 
inet factory, grist mill, with two runs of stones, corn crack- 
er, board and shingle mill, a temperance store, and me- 
chanics, of various trades. 

HILLS. 

Meeting House Hill is high, and the meeting-honse 
"may be seen in many of the adjacent towns, and even 
a great distance at the West and Northwest ; but as the 
town abounds with hills, it affords no extensive and com- 
manding prospect of itself." 

Muschopauge Hill is by many feet the highest land in 
town, and has a commanding and beautiful prospect of the 
North and East, and is the only hill in town that retains 
its Indian name. On it there is a place of roots and herbs, 
called the "Indian Garden." This hill was originally 
laid out to Capt. Edward Rice and Capt. Samuel Stone. 

Rocky or P.ound Hill is at the end of the ten rod road or 
street ; it was called by the former name, until the Pound 
was built in 1764, since which time it has been called by 
the latter. Thirty years ago it contained only the Work- 
House and another small house, and the pound. Now it 
is a pleasant little village. 

School Lot Hill, one mile West of the meeting-house, 
received its name from the School Lot being laid out on it. 
From this hill there is an extensive and pleasant view of 
the surrounding country, 

Joyner's Hill, one mile North of the meeting-house, is » 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 35 

excellent land, and makes a good appearance as you pass 
through the centre of the town. 

Cheney Hill was formerly owned by a man by the 
name of Cheney. House lots, Nos. 28, 29, 30 and 21, 
were pitched on this hill. 

Brintnal Hill is the North and highest part of said range, 
named for Mr. Brintnal, who preached and taught a 
school in the early settlement of the town ; it is now own- 
ed by Levi Bartlett. 

Bear Hill is bounded Westerly by the Sewall Farm. 
Benjamin Fletcher's one hundred acres were located on 
this hill. It is now owned by Joseph Miles. 

A hill south of Pomagusset meadow, containing one 
hundred and fifty acres of land, was granted to Jacob 
Farrar, but has been many years owned by the heirs of 
Capt. Edward Rice. 

Birch Hill, between the two last hills, was granted and 
laid to the heirs of Joseph Wood, to the right of Lot No. 
21, originally granted to Jonathan Willard, and is now 
owned by Maj. Silas Furbush. 

Oak Hill is within the limits of New Boston, was laid 
out to Henry Frauklyn's heirs, Capt. John Charnock's 
heirs and to Eleazer Ball, and is now owned by Jeduthan 
Green and others. 

Worcester Meadow Hill had its name from joining on 
a meadow in Worcester, (now Holden.) This hill was orig- 
inally granted as first division of upland to Joseph Wright 
and Samuel Goodenow, and is now owned by Jedediah Es- 
tabrook and Suel Reed. 

Walnut Hill was granted to Samuel White, laid to right 
of Lot No. 36, bounded by Worcester, and is now owned 
by Stephen Fessenden. 

Wood Hill is partly in Rutland and partly in Paxton. 



36 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

It was granted and laid out to Benjamin Wood, Esq., to 
right of Lot No. 57. It was owned by Joseph Bartlett, 
then by Ebenezer Frost. 

Stevens's Hill, one mile south of the meeting-house 
was granted to Dea. Stevens's House Lot, No. 56, and 
then owned by Aaron Rice, since by Capt. John Phelps, 
now by Edwin and David Henry. 

Smith's Hill lies North and bounds on Cedar Swamp 
Pond, and is now owned by Daniel and Otis Demond. 

Hendry's Hill lies North of Buck Brook and is now 
owned by the Henery or Henry heirs, and Capt. Sardine 
Muzzy. 

This hill was granted to Malcam Hendry and Sarah 
Mccarter. 

Allen's Grant and Hill, Westerly of Long Pond, was 
granted and laid out to John Allen, Estes Hatch, Esq., 
and others to right of Lots No. 38, to said Allen, and Nos. 
11, 49 and 50, to Esq. Hatch. The present owners are 
G^n. William Crawford, Joseph Marsh, Thaddeus Haynes, 
Wilson, Smith, &c. 

Barrack Hill had its name from the Barracks being 
built on its summit for Burgoyne's army. This land was 
laid out to Alexander Bothell, Jonathan Davis and James 
Heaton. Its present owners are Henry's heirs, Zaccheus 
G. Carpenter, David D. Browning, Suel Stone and Jonas 
Roper. 

Charnock Hill was granted to Capt. John Charnock of 
Boston and his heirs, to their right of House Lot, No. 34. 
Charnock was bounded Easterly by mill farm. Its present 
owners are John D. Williams, Israel Stratton, and J. E. 
Cheney. 

Grass Hill is nearly a mile Southwest of the meeting- 
house. House Lot No. 57, was pitched on this hill to 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 37 

George Robbins. It has since been owned by Robert 
Patrick. The present owners are Joel, William and Jo- 
seph Hubbard, &c. 

There are many hills in this town without any particu- 
lar name ; — a great part of it is made of hills, or large 
swells, and is some of the best land in the town ; there is 
not a hill but may be with ease and safety ascended to its 
summit with a carriage, or that has not been cultivated by 
the plough ; — from many of them there might be taken 
beautiful landscapes ; five hundred and fifty rods East of 
the meeting-house, on the old Turnpike, is an extensive and 
beautiful prospect to the East, as almost any in the Com- 
monwealth — the blue hills of Milton are distinctly visible. 

VALES OR VALLEYS. 

But a small part of the town is comprised of lands of 
this description. We have no valleys to vie with the Mis- 
sissippi ; the longest is the one that Ware river passes 
through, — long meadow is something of a valley. From 
Holden by Mill Brook through the ministry and meeting- 
house meadows, is a vale or valley, — from No. 5, School 
house to Holden is another, — East and West of Dublin 
road are valleys ; there are several others of minor note, 
as birch valley, &c. 

MEADOWS. 

The following are the most noted : — Meeting-house, 
Long, Ware, Ministry, Sewall's, Pomagusset, Loring's, 
South, Pine Plains, &c. ; there are many without any par- 
ticular names. Some of our meadows are good, some 
middling, and some indifferent ; most of them when first 
3* 



38 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

cleared, produced abundant crops. It is evident that 
some were partially cleared by the Indians or beavers, 
and produced grass befor^ the white people began their 
settlement, and was a great means in preserving and sup- 
porting their cattle at its commencement through the 
winter. 

These meadows have many times changed owners, but 
several of them retain their bounds as first lotted and 
drawn by the proprietors' committee for the settler. 

LOCALITIES. 

Judge Sewall's farm of one thousand acres was 
granted to him by Government prior to the grant of the 
twelve miles square to the proprietors of Rutland. It wa« 
laid out in an oblong square in the Northerly part of what 
is now Rutland, seven hundred and thirteen rods in length, 
and three hundred and seventy in breadth, — bounded 
Westerly by New Boston, Northerly near Hubbardston 
line and Bigelow's Mill's, Easterly near No. 1, School 
house and by Joseph Miles', Southerly a little North of 
No. 9, School-house. A good tract of land and large 
measure. , 

PROVINCE OR ARTILLERY FARM. 

The General Court at their Sessions in 1715, reserved 
to themselves one thousand acres ; five hundred of which 
^ere granted to the Hon. Artillery Company, and the other 
five hundred acres were, by said Court at their session in 
1717, granted to the Hon. John Burrill, P>sq. The one 
thousand acres were equally divided from East to West, 
each having a part of Asnebumskit Pond. The South part 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 39 

was set off to the Artillery Company, and was bounded by 
Worcester and Leicester. The other half was subdivided 
between Messrs. Ephraini Moore, Peter Moore, Nathaniel 
Goodenow, Samuel Sweetser, and Michael Sweetser. 

This one thousand acres is a part of the land set off of 
Rutland to form Paxton, the Southwest corner thereof is 
near where Paxton meeting-house now stands. 

PROPRIETORS' LANDS. 

In the first division of upland of one hundred and fifty 
acres among the proprietors, the following lands were laid 
out in that part of Rutland which is now Paxton. To Rev. 
Thomas Frink one hundred and twenty acres bounded by 
Leicester ; Robert Mclem one hundred and thirty acres on 
a hill near Leicester line ; Thomas Wheeler one hundred 
and fifty acres on Fox hill, near Leicester line ; Joseph 
Stevens two hundred acres on Turkey hill, &c.; Samuel 
Brown one hundred and three acres East of Turkey-hill 
pond, Samuel Goodenow one hundred and forty acres South- 
west of Turkey-hill pond ; Samuel Ball ninety-seven acres 
West of Goodenow's ; Malcam Hendry and Sarah Mccarter 
ninety-five acres near Leicester line ; William Mccarter, 
Robert and Matthew Patrick sixty-three acres in equal 
thirds, on a hill near Leicester line. The above named 
tracts are all ffood land. 



&^ 



DUBLIN, OR POND END. 

This tract of land is situated in the Southwest corner of 
the six miles square, and is a pleasant and fertile part of 
the town. As it was almost wholly peopled with emi- 
grants from Ireland, it received the name of Dublin, and 



40 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

comprises School District, No. 6. Within its bounds were 
eight House Lots, and the following divisions of upland 
granted in 1723 to the following named persons: Jonas 
Clarke, Esq., of Boston, three hundred acres ; James 
Browning, one hundred and fifty acres ; John Jeffries, Esq., 
two hundred and two acres ; Col. Estes Hatch, one hun- 
dred and sixty-one acres ; Thomas Smith, Esq., one hun- 
dred and fifty acres ; Jonathan Sewall, Esq., of Boston, 
one hundred and six acres ; Peter .Cutler's heirs, ninety 
acres ; William Fenton, sixty-seven acres ; Duncan Mc- 
Farland, sixty-two acres. It is mostly warm and good 
land. 

CAPT. BENJAMIN WILLARD'S NINE HUN- 
DRED AND THIRTY ACRES. 

The Proprietors of Rutland, for divers considerations, 
(one of which was to promote a mill,) on December 17, 
1715, granted to Capt. Benjamin Willard, one-third part 
of a thirty-third part of said township, or nine hnndred 
and thirty acres, which was located and disposed of in the 
following manner, viz : three hundred acres to Rev. Israel 
Loring ; two hundred and forty to Capt. Samuel Stone and 
one hundred and twenty to Capt. Samuel Wright, all of 
Sudbury, assignees to Capt. Benjamin Willard. The 
above described lands were bounded on North Worces- 
ter and the East Wing. In said tract there is an excellent 
meadow, — a pasture by the name of Loring, perpetuates its 
ancient owner; eighty acres of the above grant were locat- 
ed on and about Buck Brook ; forty acres at the falls of 
Long Meadow Brook, and the remainder on Mill Brook, be- 
ing the mill farm and mill lot. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 41 



TEN ACRES. 

^ The Grand Committee surveyed and laid out (the same 
time they did the ten rod road,) ten acres for a Burying 
PJace and other public uses ; said ten acres were bounded 
Southerly by a ten rod road, and Easterly by a four rod 
road leading to Joyner's hill. 

PINE PLAINS. 

The Pine Plains were bounded on the West Wing, 
now Oakham, and were common to all the proprietors to 
get timber and board logs, until they were laid out, num- 
bered, pitched or drawn, by lot. It was the practice of 
some of the first settlers, in a dry season, to fire the plains, 
that they might have better browsing for their own cattle, 
and those they took from the lower towns. One season 
the fire extended into the West wing, and injured the ap- 
pearance and sale of Oakham for several years. 

ROADS IN RUTLAND. 

Almost every man has a large Road by his house, if 
not greatly travelled. The Proprietors were liberal in 
their grants. The roads laid out and opened previous to 
1750, were from the Proprietors' lands; and if any were 
laid through the land of individuals, they had other land 
in lieu thereof. 

STREET OR TEN ROD ROAD. 

The street or ten rod road granted by the Grand Pro- 
prietors, was on May 8th, Anno Domini, 1743, confirmed 



42 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

by them as follows, viz : Voted, " That the Road or 
Street Ten Rods wide, beginning at the Ministry House 
Lot (so called,) No. 62, and running Northeasterly over 
Meeting House Hill, (so called,) and ending at the part- 
ing of the Roads on Rocky Hill, (so called,) by the cor- 
ner of Col. Hatches Division Land, be granted and con- 
firmed to the Town of Rutland, as a common for public 
use, Benefit and Behoof without any manner of Alienation 
or appropriation forever. 

THOMAS FRINK, J/orfV." 

FOUR ROD ROADS. 

The following is a list of four rod roads, — when grant- 
ed, — where from and where to, with their length. 

MILES. RODS. 

1729, From ten rod road or street to Paxton 

line, 
1729 and 1730, From ten road road through 
Dublin to House Lot, No. 53, 

1730, From ten road road to Oakham line, 

called Iladley road, 

1731, From ten rod road by Grass Hill to 

Paxton line, 
1731, From ten rod road to Joyner's Hill, 
(Miles's,) 

1733, From Pound Hill to Holden line, 

1734, From ten rod road to Samuel Stone's, 
1734, From Paxton road by Ball's spring to 

Grass Hill, 
1734, From the road by Grass Hill to Widow 
Hendry's mill, (Death's,) 



2 


219 


3 


311 


2 


211 


3 


1 


1 
1 
1 


11 

106 

2 


2 


1 


2 


200 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 43 

MILES. RODS. 

1740, A road over Muschopauge Hill to 

Pond street, 250 

TURNPIKE ROAD. 

When the Turnpike fever ran high, the following Act 
was passed, " Be it therefore enacted, by the Senate, and 
House of Representatives in General Court assembled, 
and by the authority of the same, That Jonathan Warner, 
Samuel Parkman, Josiah Knapp, Edward Blake, jun., 
Aaron and Charles Davis, Spencer Field, Stephen Rice, 
AVilliam Cutler, Paul Mandell, Moses Mandell, Francis 
Blake, Moses White, Richard Kelley, Jonas Howe, jun., 
Ebenezer Mattoon, jun., Medad Nickerson, Daniel Walk- 
er, Thomas Powers, Roger West, Robert Field, Nehemiah 
Hinds, John Rankin, William Conkey, Isaac Abercrom- 
bie, Artemas How, Jesse Allen, Joseph Chadwick, Timo- 
thy Parker^ Isaac Hobart, John Dodds, Jonathan Dan- 
forth, William Henry, Abner Conant, James Lawton, 
Seth Pierce and Jason Mixter, and such persons as shall 
be associated with them, and their successors, be and 
they are hereby constituted a corporation, by the name of 
the Sixth Massachusetts Turnpike Corporation, for the 
laying out and making a Turnpike Road from the East line 
of Amherst, on the County Road near William Breton's 
house through the Towns of Pelham, Greenwich, Hard- 
wick, New Brain tree, Oakham, Rutland, Holden, Worces- 
ter, to the great road in Shrewsbury, &c. 

In the House of Representatives, June 21, 1799, 

EDWARD H. ROBBINS, Speaker, 

In the Senate, June 21, 1799, 

JOHN C. JONES, President. 

June 22, 1799, By the Lt. Governor, approved, 

MOSES GILL." 



44 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Said Road was forty-three miles and one hundred and 
twelve rods long, — was made in one summer, and cost 
about thirty-three thousand dollars. 

THE FART TAKEN BY RUTLAND. 

When said Road was in contemplation, Rutland chose 
a respectable committee to use their influence to have it 
pass through this town ; and at a subsequent meeting, 
voted to appropriate one thousand dollars on certain con- 
ditions to carry the same into effect. But at an after 
meeting the vote was rescinded. Then a number of indi- 
viduals of Rutland associated together, and contracted to 
make said road through Rutland for one dollar and seventy 
cents per rod, and take their pay in Turnpike shares at 
twenty-five dollars each ; — chose Jonas How, Esq., Capt. 
Benjamin Putnam and Jonas Reed, jun., their committee 
to superintend the same. Moses White, Esq., contracted 
to make five hundred and nineteen rods of the West end 
for two dollars and thirty-nine cents per rod. The re- 
maining seventeen hundred and fifty rods at one dollar for- 
ty-one cents per rod, was lotted into seven shares of two 
hundred and fifty dollars, or ten Turnpike shares each, and 
was made by the contractors, or such persons as they em- 
ployed. Jonas Reed made thirty-two parts of the seventy, 
and the remainder was made by owners of shares. The road 
being made and accepted, the Corporation for a little time 
took considerable toll ; but it was appropriated to the pay- 
ment of outstanding debts. The proprietors were under the 
necessity of taking their own money to pay themselves. 
New roads were made, — toll evaded, and the shares had 
the same destiny as the old Continental Money. The 
Corporation relinquished its Franchise, and on August 11, 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 45 

1828, held its last meeting. The Turnpike became a 
County Road, or Common Highway. 

JONAS REED, Late Proprietors' Clerk. 

In 1818 the town made eight hundred and thirty-three 
rods of County Road between Birch Valley and Paxton 
[ine, which cost the town for making one thousand one 
hundred and eleven dollars and ninety-five cents. In 

1832, the town made upwards of five miles of County 
Road between Holden line and Bigelow's mills, which 
2ost the town upwards of three thousand dollars. In 

1833, the town made a County Road Northerly of the 
cneeting-house, and North of No. 1, school house. 

Roads. — Length of some of the principal roads, — dis- 
ance from the meeting house, — and from one place to 
mother. 

From Holden line to Oakham line, (old 
Turnpike, ) 

Holden Meeting House, 

Oakham Meeting House, 

Hubbardston Meeting House, — 

by No. 1, School House, 4 220 

Paxton Meeting House, — 

East of No. 5, School House, 2 278 

Barre, Northwest corner of 

Rutland, by the Folly, 5 75 

Barre Corner, Northwest corner of 

Rutland, — through New Boston, 5 152 

Spencer Meeting House, — 

through Dublin, 5 133 

Princeton Meeting House, — 

by No. 2, School House, 4 

4 



MILES. 


RODS. 


5 


165 


2 


40 


3 


125 



46 HI8T0KY OF RUTLAND. 

MILES. RODS. 

Holden, Hubbardston line, — 

by Bigelow's, 5 220 

Southeast corner to Northwest corner, 8 98 

Northeast corner to Southwest corner, 10 248 

The roads in Kutland when added make seventy-six 

miles ; — supposing the roads to average three rods in 

width, they cover four hundred and thirty-six acres of land. 

COUNTRY AND COUNTY ROADS. 

County. — April 5, 1733, Voted, "That the town 
will join with Worcester to put in a Petition to the Quarter 
Sessions to have a County Road from Rutland to Worces- 
ter." 

Samuel Wright, Esq., was chosen to put in said Peti- 
tion. 

Road to Market. — March 7, 1737, the town chose 
Capt. John Hubbard, Lieut. Edward Rice and Moses How, 
a committee to discourse with, and desire the Selectmen 
of Worcester and Shrewsbury to lay out a Highway, con- 
venient for the inhabitants of the town of Rutland to trav- 
el to market in. 

JOSEPH STEVENS, ModW. 

COUNTY OF WORCESTER,— WHEN INCOR- 
PORATED. 

The Act incorporating the County of Worcester, pass- 
ed April 2, 1731, "An Act of erecting, and making a 
County in the inland parts of this Province, to be called 
The County of Worcester, and for establishing Courts of 



inSTORY Ohl RUTLAND. 47 

Justice within the same." — '' Bg it enacted by his Ex- 
cellency the Governoi', Council, and Representatives, in 
General Court Assembled, and by the authority of the 
same. That the towns and places hereafter named and ex- 
pressed, that is to say, Worcester, Lancaster, Westbor- 
ough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Leicester, Rutland and 
Lunenburgh, all in the County of Middlesex ; Mendon, 
Woadstock, Oxford, Sutton, including llassanarnisco, Ux- 
bridge, and the land granted to several petitioners of Med- 
field all in the County of Suffolk; Brookfield in the Coun- 
ty of Hampshire, and the South town laid out to the Nar- 
raganset soldiers ; and all other lands lying within the said 
townships, with the inhabitants thereon, shall from and af- 
ter the tenth day of July, which will be in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty-one, be and 
remain one entire and distinct County by the name of 
Worcester, of which Worcester to be the County or Shire 
town, e^c." 

On P^'ebruary 1, 1732, the first prison was ordered to 
be built, — forty-one by eighteen feet, and eight feefc 
stud. The gaol part to be eighteen feet square, of white 
oak, studded with timber of live inches by four, and placed 
within five inches of each other, the joists to be of the same 
bigness, and placed at the same distance, and that it be 
covered with plank, spiked within and without; a dungeon 
beneath wns likewise directed. On November, 1732, the 
Court House was ordered to be built, thirty-six by twenty- 
six feet, with thirteen feet posts. To pay for these pub- 
lic buildings, and other charges, incident to the County, 
a tax was ordered upon the several towns, as follows : 
Lancaster, G2/., IGs., 8d., Mendon, 36/., Woodstock, 32/., 
BrookHeld, 27/., U.,' 8d., Sutton, 24/., IO5., Worcester, 
22/., Ids., 4d., Westborough, 18/., 2^., Southborough, 



48 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

171, 6s., Shrewsbury, 14?., 14s., Oxford, lil, 4s., Leices- 
ter, 13/., 9s., 4rf., Uxbridge, 12/., Os., Sd., Rutland, 7/., 
16s., Lunenburgli, 71., 16s. Total, 311/., 10s., id. 

The following persons, belonging to Rutland, have held 
offices in the County. William Caldwell, Esq., Sheriff, 
from 1793 to 1805. Moses White, Esq., do., from 1811 
to 1812, and Justice of the Court of Sessions, 1807. 
Daniel Clap, Esq., Register of Deeds from 1784 to 1816. 
John Eessenden, Esq., Senator from 1787 to 1791. 
Francis Blake, Esq., do., from 1810 to 1812, and from 
1813 to 1815; also Clerk of the Court, 1816 and 1817. 
Thomas H. Blood, Esq. * Senator from 1816 to 1818. 

Laavtkrs. — Daniel Bliss, Esq., 1760. Daniel Murray, 
Esq., 1771. William Caldwell, Esq., 1773. Francis 
Blake, Esq., 1789. Isaac Story, Esq., 1793. Joseph 
B. Caldwell, Esq., 1802. William C. White, Esq., John 
Shepley, Esq., Rufus Putnam, Esq., 1809. 

Justices of the Peace. — Samuel W^right, Moses 
How, John Stone, John IMurray, John Frink, John Eessen- 
den, Jonas How, Moses White, Daniel Walker, Zadock 
Gates, Tilly Flint, Jonas How, Joel Davis, Calvin How, 
James Estabrook, Rowland Wheeler. 

Doctors. — Sjjmuel Robbins, died June 28, 1748. 
Hezekiah Fletcher, Jan. 21, 1754. Alpheus Fletcher, 
June 12, 1766. John Frink, John Frink, jun., John Field, 
James McFarland, Jonah How, M. D., George Estabrook, 
M. D., Samuel Gates, M. D., David A. Grosveuor, jun., 
M. D. 

*Born in Rutland. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 49 



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50 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

In 1832, part of Centre, No. 1, and No. 2, Districts 
were set off and formed a District, called No. 9, SoMth of 
Sewall's Farm, six hundred rods North of the meeting- 
house. 

In 1833, No. 3 District, was divided, the West part 
was called No. 10 District, Northwest of Muschopauge 
Pond, six hundred and five rods East of the meeting 
house. 

Of the above number of persons, there were under five 
years of age, eighty-five males — seventy -five females be- 
tween five and ten, males ninety, — females sixty-one ; be- 
tween ten and twenty, males one hundred and forty-eight, — 
females one hundred and forty-six ; between twenty and 
thirty, males one hundred and seven, — females one hun- 
dred and seven ; between thirty and forty,-males seventy-two 
females sixty-four; between forty and fifty, — males fifty 
one, — females fifty-five ; between fifty and sixty, — 
males forty, — females forty -nine ; between sixty and 
seventy, males twenty-six, — females thirty ; between 
seventy and eighty, males fourteen, — females six ; u])- 
wards of eighty, males four, females twelve. At the same 
time there were one hundred and eighty-three dwelling- 
houses, and the same number of married couples ; thirteen 
widowers, and forty widows. In 1835, there were be- 
tween sixty and seventy years of age, sixty-eight persons ; 
between seventy and eighty, thirty-one persons ; between 
(eighty and ninety, seven persons; upwards of ninety, six 
persons. Total upwards of sixty years, one hundred and 
twelve persons. 

SCHOOLS. 

The General Court and Grand Proprietors made some 



II'STORY OF RUTLANr. 51 

provision for schools, in their grant to tlie settlers of the 
six miles square ; it was one of the conditions of the 
grant, that one sixty-third part of the lands should he set 
off and appropriated for schooling forever. Accordingly 
in the division of the lands that proportion was set off for 
that purpose, and was Lot No. 63, and its after divisions. 

What was called the House Lot of thirty acres w^a6 
pitched or drawn, on a hill one mile West of the meeting- 
house. The division of one hundred and fifty acres was 
laid out and located partly by the House Lot and partly by 
the East Wing. The School lands w^ere by vote of the 
town in 1744 sold, and the proceeds put on interest. The 
lands were sold as follows : a piece of forty-eight acres 
and one hundred rods to Eliphalet How, for 64/., 10s., 
lawful money of the last emission. A second division 
with all after draughts to Duncan McFarland, for 22/., 35., 
2(3?., 2q.', a meadow lot to Lieut. Moses IIow^, for 3/., 10*.; 
a farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres to John and 
James AValker, for 66/., 1*., M. Total, 156/., 4s., lOc^. 

For the first twenty years after the grant, there was 
little privilege of a school, there being no school-houses ; 
and it being dangerous for children to go from house to 
house, not only on account of Lidians, but of ravenous 
bears and wolves. Mothers when sitting at the door 
with their children, could see the wild beasts pass by with 
their young. 

In Oct. 1733, the town voted to provide a school master 
before November Court, and chose Capt. John Hubbard, 
Messrs. Eleazer Ball and Dunkin McFarland a committee 
for that purpose, whom they instructed to provide the best 
and cheapest they could get. At the same time voted, to 
have the school kej^t two-thirds of the time in the middle of 
the ' town, at Col. Hatch's house, and one-third, at the 



52 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

West end, at the pond. This was kept by Mr. Whitaker.; 
and was the first public school taught in Rutland. 

In 1734, the' town voted that two school-houses be built, 
to keep school in, at the public charge of the town ; one 
to be set near the meeting-house, in the most convenient 
place on the ten acres laid out for such uses. The other 
school house to be set at the Northwest corner of John 
McEntire's field, (Southwest of Cedar Swamp Pond.) 

In 1735, the town engaged Mr. William Brintnal, as a 
school master for one year. The school was kept at three 
places, according to their pay. 

In 1751, the town built a school house, in wdiat is now 
Paxtou, and set it on the road between Rutland and Leices- 
ter. 

Until 1781, the centre district extended from Holden 
line to the bounds of Oakham, in which, for several years 
before the Revolution, there was a latin grammar school 
kept through the year ; to encourage the same, Col. Mur- 
ray gave twenty dollars a year. 

Through the Revolutionary war, schooling was some 
neglected. But it is probable Rutland has not been behind 
other towns of her ability, in affording instruction for her 
children and youth. 

The sum granted yearly is about seven hundred dollars. 
A considerable sum in addition is paid by individuals, to 
primary and high schools. 

The following persons either born or settled in Rutland, 
have received a Collegiate Education : — Thomas Frink, 
at H. U., 1722, Joseph Buckminster, H. U., 1739, Jo- 
seph Davis, H. U., 1740, Samuel Frink, H. U., 1758, 
Daniel Bliss, H. U., 1760, Samuel Porter, H. U., 1763, 
Daniel Murray, H. U., 1771, Samuel Murray, H. U., 
1772, Jedidias Estabrook, H. U., 1771, Joseph Buck- 



TIISTOKY OF RUTLAND. 53 

minster, Y. (.\, John luibbanl Chnrcli, II. U., 1707, 
David Forbes, D. C, John Fessenden, u. U., Francis 
Bhike, H. U., Josiali Chirk, jr., Y. C. 

On May 8, 1780, Rutland appointed a respectable com- 
mittee, (of whicli General Putnam was chairman.) to a. - 
certain a proper and convenient number of school plots> 
and the bounds for the same ; which service they perform- 
ed, and made a very particular and accurate descrip- 
tion of the bounds of each plot, and the head of every 
family in the same. Their report, although not accepted 
was recorded. It exhibits the number of families, — the 
part of the town each lived in, and the number of plots re- 
commended. By comparing their report with the present 
inhabitants, we have the cliange, and the increase of the 
inhabitants of each part, — and of the whole town, from 
that time to the present; and the change in hea;ls of its 
families. Their report was as follows, viz. : 

No. I, Plot. John Ames, Solomon Buckminster, Da- 
vid Bennet, Capt. Peter Davis, Lieut. Asa Davis, Jona- 
than How, David How, Nathaniel Munro, Lieut. Timo- 
thy Munro, Benjamin Munro, Robert Haws. John Priest, 
Lieut. Jason Read, David Smith, Lsaac Smith, Stevens 
Stone, Lieut. Simon Phelps. — Seventeen Families. 

II. Col. Silas Bent, Ens. William Bridge, Moses Bax- 
ter. John Briant, Abel Brigham, Daniel Goodenow, Phin- 
eas Lamb, Lieut. Timothy Metcalf, Lieut. Luke Moore, 
Jonas Parmenter, Abel Parmenter, John Rice, Josiah Rice, 
Elijah Stone, Jeduthan Stone, Luther Stevens, Nathaniel 
Sawyer, Thomas Wood. — Eighteen Families. 

III. Samuel Cowden, James Cowden, Lieut. Robert 
Forbus, John Forbus, Simon Heald, Deacon Jonas How, 
Moses Maynard, Moses Maynard. jun.. Ens. George Oaks, 
Capt. Elijah Stearns, Jonathan Stearns, James Smith, 



64 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



Lockert Smith, Lieut. George Smith. Cain. John Stone 



Daniel Saunders, Isaac Wheeler. — Seventeen Families. 

IV. Daniel Bartlett, John Blair, William Calchvell. 
Esq., Thomas Child, Abiather Child. George Clark, Wd. 
INIarv Davis, Wd. Amittai Davis, Dea. Samuel Davis, 
John Frink, Esq.. Dr. John Frink. jnn.. Calvin Glazier, 
Aaron Glazier. Joseph King. Lieut. Paul ]Moore. Joseph 
Miller, Peter Xewton, David Rice, Thomas Reed, Capt. 
Thomas Reed. Dea. Jonas Reed. Jonas Reed, jun.. Josh- 
ua Randall. William Smith, Israel Stone, Lieut. Joseph 
Wood. John NVatson. Samuel Smith Watson. Twenty- 
eight Families. 

V. Elijah Allen. Capt. David Bent, Joseph Bartlet, 
Lieut. James Blair. James Blair, jun., Capt. Caleb Clap. 
Lieut. Phinehas Everett, John Fessenden, Esq., Eben- 
ezer Frost, Capt, Zaccheus Gates. Zadock Gates. Gardner 
Goddard. Lieut. Da\^d Henry. John Rawson. Benjamin 
Reed. Edmund Reed, Jonas Stone. Samuel Stratton. Dan- 
iel Estahrook, jun., John Foster. — Twenty Families. 

Vr. Robert Blair, John Browning, Lieut. James Brown- 
ing, Lieut. William Browning, Joseph Browning, John 
Boyce. Phillip Boynes. Capt. John jJaclenathan, Asahel 
Clap. Isaac Goodspeed, Lemuel Harrington. Mark Heard, 
Dillington Johnson, Joseph Ivnapp, Silas Livermore, Hez- 
ekiah Xewton. Wd. Elizabeth Oliphant. Isaac Savage. 
Asaph Slierman. John Smith, James Smith, James "Wil- 
liams. — Twenty-two Families. 

VII. Rev. Joseph Buckminster. Oliver Bowker. Patrick 
Bryan. Christopher Burlinggame. Lieut. George Black. 
Gideon Brown, Wd. Keziah Cutting. Elijah Demond. Na- 
than Davis. Jesse Davis, Eliakim Davis. Chamberlain 
Eustis, Alvan Fosdick, Skelton Foster, Thomas Fliiit. 
Tilly Flint, John Hucker. jun., Ephraim Hubbard. Jona- 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 00 

tli.m Hubbard, Elijah Hammond, William Henry, Lieut. 
Benjamin Miles, Ebenezer Miles, Judah Mayo, Alexan- 
der Murray, Philip Munro, Rufus Putnam, P2sq., Capt. 
Timothy Ruggles, Jonas Smith, Benjamin Putnam, Sam- 
uel Porter, John Read, Eleazer Rice, Benoni Smith, Jedu- 
than Tower, James Wheeler, James Wheeler, jun. — 
Thirty- seven Families. 

yill. Asa Adams, Eleazer Ball, Phineas Ball, Ephraim 
Bruce. Levi Brown, Nathan Davis, jun., John Chard, 
Wd. Mary Cunningham, Oliver Chickering, S;«muel Gates, 
Matthias How, Matthias How, jun., Joshua Phillips, 
Joshua Phillips, jun., Daniel Roper, Edward Rice, Abra- 
ham Wheeler, Capt. Phineas Walker, Daniel Walker and 
Daniel Munden. Twenty Families. 

Total, one hundred and seventy-nine. Only nine that 
were then heads of families are now alive, and live in 
town. ' 

At this time there is not a married person that owns and 
lives on a house lot that was their ancestors. 

In one hundred and twenty years the revolution in fami- 
lies has been variable and various. The Wheel of For- 
tune with some has turned round more than once, — some 
that were rich have been poor, and now are becoming 
wealthy. 

I could name some in the circle of my acquaintance, 
whose prospects in life were promising, — their abilities 
and education decent, — their parents by diligence and econ- 
omy for many years, acquired property sufficient to give, or 
leave to their son a farm, or money to set up in trade ; 
their daughter money to furnish a house. But before, or 
as soon as the son came into possession, he wore a watch, 
smoked his cigar, and rode a gay horse. He addressed 
and won the heart and hand of a fine ,^irl, whose pulse 



56 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

beat high, and anticipated a life of pleasure and happiness. 
She laid out her few hundieds to richly furnish the parlor, 
and articles of extravagance for the kitchen; — they com- 
mence housekeeping, and calculate their wealth is exhaust- 
less, — the husband feels above manual labor, — the wife 
beyond the superintendence of a family ; these inexperi- 
enced couples hire their help — have parties, keep high 
company, live fast, and ere they are aware they are in 
debt ; the creditors call — the sheriff visits, — the farm 
and furniture are sold, and these imprudent persons, or 
their children have had the mortification to look out of 
the door of a poor house. Yet a greater misfortune has 
befallen others. It is written in an ancient Book, " Woe 
unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of 
strength to mingle strong drink." It is apparent that 
something of this kind or nature has been in operation in 
Rutland and its vicinity, and has had the strength to as- 
cend our rich and fertile hills, and wash the strong and 
loamy soil from them, — or the owners from the soil. Many 
that were born of poor, but respectable parents who had 
nothing but their hands, a good character and steady hab- 
its, industry, economy, and kind friends to begin the world 
with, have by the blessing of a kind Providence become 
wealthy, respectable, and are some of our most worthy 
citizens. 

The Independence of the United States cost great 
treasures, much blood, and many tears. But not half so 
much as intemperance and its accompanying evils. 

RESOURCES OF RUTLAND. 

The following are some of the articles raised, or manu- 
factured in Rutland, where the balance is in her favor: 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 57 

Beef, Pork, Veal, Mutton, Lamb, Butter, Clieese, PouL 
try. Eggs, Wood, Coal, Hay, Barley, Oats, Potatoes, 
AYao-oiis, Sleighs, Cabinet Furniture, Cliairs, Rakes, Boots, 
Shoes, Straw Braid, and Palm Leaf Hats, by the thousand. 
There have been many inventions to save manual labor ; 
yet our females are very industrious ; there is not a mother 
who does not superintend the domestic concerns of her 
family. 

The most of our lands being of a strong deep soil, rich- 
ly repay the farmer for his labor and manure. — It is natu- 
ral for grass and potatoes. Potatoes are much in use, and 
now constitute an essential ingredient in the support of 
man and beast. Fifty or sixty years ago, if a farmer rais- 
ed half a dozen- bushels he thought he had a large supply ; 
they were raised in beds as we now do carrots, &c. If our 
lands were cultivated equal to those near Boston, they 
would produce sustenance enough for four thousand in- 
habitants. 

A sketch of a respectable farmer and his family before 
the Revolution : — Morning and evening the domestic altar 
was surrounded, to unite in prayer and praise, for the bless- 
ing of the day, and the protection of the night. At the 
close of the week, preparation was made for the Sabbath. 
It was held sacred to public and private worship, and 
works of necessity and mercy. You might see not only 
on horse back, but both males and females, for miles on 
foot, making their way to the Sanctuary. 

Food. — The morning and evening meals, were of the 
varieties of spoon-fare, from the rich pure milk, to the 
wholesome bean-porridge, — on long days a luncheon ; at 
Qoon the long white table was placed, the linen cloth 
spread, the wooden plates (as white as female hands could 
make) set, — the large brown dish, well filled with pork and 
5 



58 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



beef from the stall, fowl from the yard, game from the 
forest, or fish from the waters ; on baking clays, a platter oi 
rich pork and beans, and a delicious Indian pudding. The 
father and mother at the head, the ruddy sons on one side. 
and blooming daughters on the other, — after the blessing 
craved, they sat down and partook of a friendly, social 
and hearty dinner; — after thanks for the same, each tc 
their employment. 

Their clothing was principally of home manufacture, oj 
a strong texture, made from skins of beasts, clothing ol 
sheep, and flax from the earth ; young men did not weai 
watches or leather boots, — but some wore white stockings 
jet black shoes, and silver buckles, as bright as a dollar 
young women's apparel was calculated for comfort 
health and ornament ; most of them were so well formed 
it did not take but a few yards of silk or calico for sleeves 
to their gowns. 

The food, dress and employment of the children anc 
youth, had a tendency to promote health, vigor anc 
strength. 

Whether the present method of living and mode of dress 
has a greater tendency to promote health, strength and 
usefulness, than that practised by our ancestors, I submil 
to our sage matrons to decide. 

Our young men were inured to the labor and manage- 
ment of a farm ; — our young women to the managemeni 
of a dairy and domestic business in general, and both unite(] 
in milking the cows, pulling and spreading of flax, &c. ; 
and the most of them made good and industrious husbands 
or wives. 

The farmers in general were in comfortable and easy 
circumstances ; when their garners were replenished and 
cellars stored, the good Parson was not forgotten. As 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 59 

:here were no small wagons, or pedlars, it was not seldom 
for mothers to join in company (with a young son to at- 
tend them,) mount their strong and sure footed horses, 
with their panniers well filled with the golden produce of 
their dairies, and some nice diaper from the Irish looms, 
ind ride upwards of Hfty m'les to market, and make an 
exchange with the Boston merchants, for some articles for 
:heir own comfort, and to please and ornament their daugh- 
:ers as a reward for their indnstiy and economy, and not 
kvhollv fo'/ixettins: their sons. The Ion"; winter evenins^s 
were enjoyed by a blazing fire, and bright torch light, in 
[lomestic concerns, in reading of champions, telling heroic 
tales, singing animating songs, eating fruit, &c. Our 
^oung men were courageous, athletic and heroic — our 
j^oung women industrious, cheerful and healthy. From 
such was the Independence of America achieved. 

Never from the commencement of its settlement to the 
present time, was Rutland more able to assert and achieve 
her Independence than at the time the Revolution com- 
menced. Many of the first settlers, or their sons, were 
men of talents, energy and enterprise. Several respect- 
ible and worthy men with their families within twenty-five 
years had bought and settled in the town. The lands 
prcd.iced bauntifully, m:iny farmers were in easy circum- 
stances ; — put up long barns, built large houses, and 
therefore had something to [)rotect and defend. Some had 
kindred blood in their veins with those that fell at Lexing- 
ton and IJunker Hill. In giving a sketch of a respecta- 
ble farmer and his family, I wouhl not forget the mechanic 
and those of other occupations ; for according to their 
numbers, they were equally respectable and heroic, and 
acted their part as spiritedly in achieving our Indepen- 
dence. 



60 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

Ii could not have been anticipated that Rutland would 
have taken that united, bold and decisive stand she did at 
the commencement of the Revolution ; — for her respected 
minister was not very sanguine in the justice and expedi- 
ency of taking up arras against the mother country ; and 
Col. Murray, who in succession had represented the town 
n the General Court for more than twenty years, and who 
was friendly to the then present Rubers, and appoi ited by 
them one of the mandamus Councillors ; and a man in 
whom a majority of the people had put almost inplicit and 
unlimited confidence. — Yet Rutland almost to a man, 
united in asserting and defending her natural, civil and re- 
ligious rights and privileges. 

STAMP ACT. 

In 1765, the town instructed her Representative " to 
use his best endeavors in the General Assembly to have 
the Rights and Privileges of this Province, vindicated and 
preserved to us and our Posterity." The Stamp Act was 
repealed. The people were so rejoiced they raised ai 
Liberty Pole, and set it on the height of land in front of 
where John Read's house stands, and kept a day of feast- 
inir and iiladness. 

Extract from instructions to Col. IMurray, Representa- 
tive in the General Court in 1773 : "And if any thing fur- 
ther should occur in" derogation to our privileges, we cau- 
tion you, that you consent not to any thing which may re- 
linquish any part thereof, and although your attachment to 
the present measures of Administration, &c. To us is 



H;ST0RY of RUTLAND. Gl 

apparent ; yet sir, inasmuch as you accept the office of 
our Representative, we expect you will make our Instruc- 
tions the rule of your conduct in said office, &c., so far as 
we are at any time capable particularly to point out." 

CONGRESS. 

Jan. 3, 1775, Voted to adhere to the proceedings of 
Congress, and chose the following fifteen men as colnmit- 
tee of inspection to carry the same into effect. Messrs. 
David Rice, John Watson, Samuel Stone, jun., William 
Browning, John Williams, Samuel Browning, John Fes- 
senden, David Bent, Samuel Porter, Jonas How, Elijah 
Stearns, Daniel Clap, Phineas Walker, l^enjamin Miles 
and John Rice. 

MINUTE MEN. 

Although the mortal sickness of 1749 and 1756, swept 
off about eighty of our children and youth, yet by early 
marriages, and many children, by the blessing of their 
Creator, Rutland had a goodly number of heroic young 
men to face the enemy at the commencement of the Revo- 
lutionary war, of whom in the beginning of 1775, fifty of 
the most active and patriotic, were selected, officered, arm- 
ed and equipped to be rQp.dy at any alarm to march at a min- 
ute's warning. Thomas Eustis was cho3en Captain, John 
Stone, Lieut., and William Bridge, Ens. They were as 
fine and brave a company as Rutland could ever boast of ; 
when called, they marched, and many of them engaged in 
the first eight months' service, and were at the memorable 
battle of the 17th of June, 1775, at Bunker's Hill. Ben- 
jamin Reed, a worthy young man was one of the slain. 
5* 



62 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Maj. Willard Moore, a promising young officer, was 
also one of the worthies among the slain. He was an in- 
habitant of that part of Paxton set off from Rutland, and 
was recorded with its births and marriages. 

MILITIA. 

March 6, 1775, Voted -'That the whole of the militia in 
.this town from sixteen years of age and upwards be re- 
quired to meet at the common place of parade on Monday 
the 13th day of March, instant, in order for the alarm men 
to form themselves into a company by themselves, and 
choose officers to command and discipline them, and that 
each be provided with arms and ammunition." Being met, 
they chose David Bent for their captain, whose Commis- 
sion was Honor and Pa^nW5??z ; — and at said time, drew 
and signed a solemn and patriotic obligation. The follow- 
ing is the last clause : " And as the law of self-preserva- 
tion requires us at this time, to prepare ourselves for re- 
pelling, Force by Force, in case we should be reduced to 
such fatal necessity. Therefore we do hereby firmly cov- 
enant, and engage with each other, under the sacred Ties 
of Honor, Virtue and the Love of our Country, that we 
will endeavor forthwith to be equipped with arms, ammuni- 
tion and accoutrements according to the Province Law, 
with this addition, that each soldier shall have thirty Bui- 
:lets, instead of twenty. And furthermore, that we will 
each of us respectfully adhere, obey and conform to all 
the INIilitary Orders, Injunctions and Penalties of our 
.said Captain, or his successors in said office, with his, or 
their, subalterns, in every respect consistent with the Law 
■of the Province, in such case made and provided, to all in- 
.tents and purposes, as though the said officers were com- 



\ 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 63 

missioned by a constitutional Captain General of the 
Province, until some other military regulations shall take 
place." 

Signed by sixty three of the Militia the 13th day of 
March, A. D., I77;3. 

FIELD PIECE. 

The town had a field piece which they mounted, and 
chose Paul More, Eleazer Coller, George Clark, Joseph 
Hall, Jason Read, George Smith, jun., Peter Newton, 
John Smith, Luke Moore, Timothy Munro, Gideon 
Brown and Samuel Gates, to manager her. 

In 1777, this town's Quota of men to be raised for three 
years, or during the war was thirty six, which number 
the town voted to raise, and give them 20/. each, as an 
additional sum ; and chose as a committee to hire them, 
Captains Walker and Bent, Simon Heald, Thomas Eust's, 
Samuel Gates, John Frink, David Rice, William Brown- 
ing and Daniel Estabrook. jun. 

178L This town's quota of men to recruit the Conti- 
nental army during the war, or for three years, was four- 
teen ; paper money being of little value, the town voted 
to give the fourteen men who should enlist 90/. each, in 
hard money, or other property equivaj^nt, and chose Capt. 
John Stone, Capt. John Cunningham, Lieut. Benjamin 
Miles, Lieut. Samuel Davis, Lieut. William Browning, 
Lieut. Silas Hent, and IMr. Abraham Wheeler, a Commit- 
tee to carry the same into effect. Then voted that the sum 
of 12Gi /., in hard money be immediately assessed on the 
inhabitants of this town for that purpose. This vote at a 
future meeting was reconsidered, and the sum of G30/., 
w^as o-ranted and collected. 



64 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

To discharge in part the debt incuried by the war, 
and the necessary expense of the town, there was paid 
into the town treasury between April 14, 1781, and May 6, 
1782. — Paid in paper money 22G5G/., Gs., ()d. In hard 
money 1405/., 13s., Id., \q. The above is a part of the 
expense, and doings of the town during the Revolutiona- 
ry war. 

From the commencement to the close of the war, it 
was a time of danger, distress, hardship and deprivation. 
But few men but were on committees of safety, corres- 
pondence, to regulate the market, purchase beef for the 
army, clothing for the soldiers, provide for their wives 
and families, to borrow money, hire soldiers, &c., and 
many in actual service. It was a time that tried men's 
souls I and women's tool — for their care and labor was 
increased, and anxiety enhanced ; and perhaps, consider- 
ing their susceptibility, they suffered as much as the 
hardier sex. There were but few of them but what 
had a husband, son, father, brother, or a particular friend 
in the army, or on the ocean. The American Indepen- 
dence was achieved, — you and I my young friends are 
enjoying the blessing. 

BARRACKS. 

Government considering the situation of Rutland, and 
character of its inhabitants, selected it as a safe encamp- 
ment for Burgoyne's army after its surrender in 1777. — 
Appointed John Frink, Esq., Jonas How, Esq., and Col. 
Daniel Clap, a committee to build Barracks, &c. Said 
committee contracted with Capt. Thomas Read to build a 
Barrack of one hundred and twenty by forty feet, two 
stories high, containing twenty four rooms twenty feet 



HISTORY OF EUTLAND. 65 

square, incUiaiug. chimneys; the building was of good 
materials, and done in a workmanlike manner; brick chim- 
neys, boarded, clapboarded and shingled, with bunks and 
other conveniences suitable for soldiers. Capt. Read em- 
ployed Mr. Chamberlain Eustis as principal carpenter : 
the building was erected, which, together with a number 
of temporary barracks were enclosed in a square of sev- 
eral acres of land, wiih piquets about twelve feet high, 
with a strong gate in front; a guard house and -block jail 
stood at the Southeast corner, three hundred and seventy 
rods Westerly of the meeting-house. 

Burgoyne's troops in 1788 removed from their encamp- 
ment near Boston to Rutland, where they quartered dur- 
ing the summer; it being difficult to procure bread stuff, 
in the fall, they w^ere removed to the south. Whilst at 
Rntland, they were guarded by Capt. William Tucker of 
Cluirlton and Capt. Peter Woodbury of Royalston with 
their companies. There were two sentries at the gate, 
one at each corner of the stockade, one at the guard- 
house, and one at the storehouse, at the pai ting of Dublin 
road. The non-commissioned officers and soldiers bv ob- 
taining a permit from the ofiicer of the guard, would with 
their wives, barter with the inhabitants for potatoes, &c. 
The Dutch soldiers with their long wooden pipes in their 
mouths, and their wives trudging behind, with their knap- 
sacks on their })acks filled with potatoes. &c., would return 
to the barracks quite contented and ha])py. 

The commissioned officers with waiters, by parole, quar- 
tered in private houses, and in general their conduct was 
gentlemanlike, — lived in style, — kept horses, — paid 
their bills on Satui'day ; their deportment was mostly in 
accordance with the articles of convention. But some 
of them run the risk of captivating and really did make 



66 mSTOKY OF RUTLAND. 

three fair prizes, with which they sailed on the rivers of 
victory, with a cargo of precious Stone, and valued by them 
as a ]icli Hall.* 

Although it was a time of war and distress, and many 
that breathed the air of Rutland were our enemies, it had 
the appearance of life and activity ; the inhabitants could 
scarcely turn their eyes without seeing red coats marching 
in every direction. Since the war the Barracks have 
been used and occupied as a dwelling-house, store, card 
factoi-y and tavern. Some years since two-thirds were 
taken down and appropriated to other uses ; the last third 
was consumed by lire iifty years after its erection. 

811 AY'S WAR. 

For a short time after the peace was ratified with Great 
Britain, money or the circulating medium was plenty, land, 
cattle, produce, and almost every article sold high, or at 
a large sum ; many bought land, &c., and run in debt for 
it. But soon our money was exchanged for goods, — 
money became scarce, — taxes were high, — people in 
debt, — creditors called for their dues, — property low, — 
some that bouixht farms and paid one-half the purchase 
money, were obliged to sell the whole to pay the other 
half ; persons thus circumstanced became almost frantic, 
and arose and stopped the Courts of Justice; some in 
Rutland joined tbe insurgents and took an active part. 
Government raised troops to quell the insurrection, in 
which others took an active part ; thus brother was 
against brother. This was styled Shay's war, as one 



*Tliey married three girls by the names of Mccleuathau, Stone, 
and Hall. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 67 

Daniel Shays took a conspicuous part in it. This was 
previous to the adoption of the Federal Constitution. 

BUILDINGS, &c. 

At a meeting of the Proprietors' Committee, June 7, 
1720, they desired the Inhabitants or Settlers to man- 
ifest their minds where the Meeting Uouse should be 
placed. 

It was placed in front of the burying ground, and was 
41 1-2 feet by 30, with galleries. 

Capt. JACOB STEVENS, Mod'r, 

Sept. 30, 1720, the settlers chose a committee to man- 
age the affairs in covering and enclosing the meeting- 
house, &c. Samuel Wright, Simon Davis, and Joseph 
Stevens were chosen said committee. 

Second meeting-house w^as erected in 1759, and was 
placed in front of the first. Its length was 60 feet, 
breadth 50, posts 24, and was a large well finished house 
for so young a society. The building committee were 
John Murray, Esq., Isaac Stone, Daniel Estabrook, Sam- 
uel How, James Blair, Paul Moore and Peter Davis, 
who performed said service without any remuneration, 
except the gratitude of the society, and the consciousness 
of having performed a good act. This house was burned 
Feb. 28, 1830, supposed to have taken fire by coals from 
a stove falling through the the crack of the floor on shavings^ 

Third House. — About two-fifths of the society in 
1830, signed off. The remainder, the same year erected 
a house, 77 feet by 48, posts 20, with a tower. On Oct. 
1 1, 1830, the pews were in a few hours sold for a sum suffi- 
cient to pay the cost of the house, and the land it stands 



68 HISTORY OF RUTL,\ND. 

on, &c., after reserving a pew for the Minister and six 
for strangers. On the 16th of the same month it was Ded- 
icated as a House of Prayer and Praise. 

In 1833, by vote of the first Society and Town, the min- 
isterial and school funds were appropriated to build a Town 
House, in which Town Meetings are held — high and 
singing schools, &c., are kept. And by vote and agree- 
ment each society has the privilege of holding religious 
meetings. 

On Sept. 29, 1773, the town voted to build an Alms, 
or Work House ; — voted 40/., for that purpose, and 
chose Zaccheus Gates, David Rice, John Rice, James 
Blair, and John Watson, a committee to build the same. 
It was built and placed on Pound Hill. 

It has been used as a school-house; and for many years 
as a dwelling-house. 

Stocks. — Before the Revolution, it was the law and 
custom to have stocks placed near the meeting-house to 
deter the disturbers of the peace on the Sabbath, and oth- 
er public days. There was one placed for many years-; 
Southwest of the meeting-house, but I never knew any 
one to suffer its punishment. 

At this time there is but one public house that sells' 
ardent spirits ; four stores for English, East and West In- 
dia Goods, — but part of them sell ardent spirits. 

There are in operation four grist mills, seven saw mills, 
five shingle mills, six blacksmith shops, one of which is 
brick, and cost one thousand dollars, has four forges and 
every convenience except water power, is so constructed 
as to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

One tannery and currier, several boot and shoe makers, 
wheelwrights, wagon and sleigh makers, chair and rake 
makers, cabinet makers, carpenters, &c. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. C9 



SICKNESS. 



ALT„oL-<n, the an- of Rutland i. salubrious, and i,s wa- 
ters pure, u has been visited with distressing and desolat- 
g sickness especaliy among its children. In the fall of 

rash, or throat d.stemper, as it uas termed, which for many 
years after „s first appearance in New England, proved 
a most desolating scourge. 

Northborough out ot°a society not much exceeding three 
hundred suty children fell victims to the destroying pesti- 
W In Rutland many died ;-so,ne families ' we're' let 
cluld^ss. Peter Moore buried three children in one week, 
and Benjamm Reed the same number in twelve days, and 
was left childless. ^ 

In 1756, Rutland and many towns were visited with the 
dysentery or bloody flu.., as it was called; manv families 
were called to mourning; in the fall months Rn'tland bur- 
ied nearly sixty of her children; Peter Goodenow and 
Dorothy h.sw,fe buried four children from the 9th to the 
few d , /'"*""'"'■' "'"' '"^"y ""'^'■^ f™-" t^o to three in a 

SMALL POX. 

Ik 17,59 or 1760, a soldier passed through the town from 
the army, who was not cleansed from the small pox — it 
bemg on the Sabbath, his dog went into the meeting-house 
and gave the ntfection to several persons, of which the fol- 

•R,V "wM »"'' """ ^""'^ •'" their farms: Wid. Rachel 
K oe, \V ,d. Hannah Davis, Patience Stone, wife of Samuel 
Stone, Dan,el Read and Daniel Read, jun.,-were father 
o 



70 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



and son, and lived, died, and were buried on Wood Hill. 
Jacob Shaw, Anna Shaw his wife, and Bethinh Shaw, took 
the infection from the soldier at the P'olly Tavern on the 
Plain where they all died. The Widows will be noticed in 
the biography of their families. 

In 1810, this and several oiher towns were visited with 
the spotted Fever, which for a short time caused great fear 
and consternation ; a few persons died suddenly. 

In 1813, this town was visited with a putrid fever which 
swept off about seventy of its inhabitants of various ages. 

ACCIDENTS BY GUNS. 

Abel INIoore, son of William Moore, and Tamer his wife 
died Dec. 5, 1753, in the 25th year of his age; being 
shot through his head with a gun he had in his own hands. 
Isaac Rice, son of Asa and Charlotte Rice, was, on June 
26, 1827, killed in a similar manner. 

CASUALTIES BY WATER. 

Cyprian Wright, was drowned in Muschopauge pond 
June 29, 1739. Tradition says he was going to a raising, 
and gave his clothes to his companions, — told them he 
would swim across ; but he sank before he reached the 
shore, supposed to have been taken with the cramp. 

Joel Read, on June 13, 1783, when out with a party on 
a fishing excursion, was drowned in the same pond. 

On the evening of Oct. 23, 1783, Lieut. Samuel Brown- 
ing was drowned in a brook on his return from town. 

On Aug. 28, 1815, Doct. John Field was drowned in 
Cedar Swamp Pond. He and one more were fishing, and 



HISTOllY OF RUTLAND. 71 

like the two women grinding at the mill, ''he was taken 
and the other left." 

On Jnly o, 1825, Timothy Ruggles, William Ham- 
mond, Doct. Jonah Howe and Jonas How, were drowned 
in the last mentioned pond. They (except Hammond) 
were with several others out at a fishing party, and taking 
a repast of what they caught ; on their return after their 
meal, they called to Hammond to meet them with his ca- 
noe, which he did. In shifting their position, the canoe 
dipped water; they were affrighted — jumped into the 
water, four of whom never more were to arise with life. 

On the 5th July, 1827, Mr, William Henry was 
drowned in a brook near L )ng Pond ; was found by Mr. 
Asa Moore, after probably having been dead several hours. 

Between forty and fifty years ago, Eleazer Adams and 
Joel Howard, two young lads, sons of Titus Adams and 
Ezekiel Howard of Barre, were in the eveninof crossino- 
btevens brook at a dam near Barre line, on horseback ; 
by accident they were thrown from the horse and drowned, 

CASUALTIES BY FIRE. 

From the commencement of the settlement of Rutland 
to the present time, the following buildings have been de- 
stroyed by fire. The first grist mil!, tradition says was 
burnt by the Indians ; it stood on Mill Brook, at the site 
where Reuben Woodis's shoe peg factory stands. 

About eighty years ago, a small house owned by Mi- 
chael McCofiin, near where Capt. Sardine Muzzy lives, 
was burnt. 

In 1776, on a bitter cold morning, Samuel Blood and 
his wife, were by their servant boy, awakened from their 
sleep, with their house on fire ; they had no time to put on 



72 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



their clothes. Although Mrs. Blood was a delicate fe- 
male, she caught her infant son with some bedding, placed 
him on the ground or snow, and for a few minutes exerted 
herself with masculine strength and activity in rescuing 
some of her most valuable furniture from the devouring 
element : — then with her husband, son and servant, with 
frozen limbs, made her way on the snow and frozen ground 
to the nearest house. (Mr. King's.) The son thus preserv- 
ed, has been a Senator and General of the County of 
Worcester. The house burnt stood ninety-four rods East 
of the meeting-house, near Dea. Woodbury's. 

In 1 780. the house of Lieut. Peter Davis, with the most 
of its contents was burnt : it stood where Joel Davis. Esq., 
lives. 

Many years since, an old house occupied by Eleazer 
Rice, was burnt ; it stood where Jeremiah Rogers now 
lives. Also, the house of Gideon Brown at AVhite Hall, 
a small house or shop near Thos. Davis's house, and a 
small house, untenanted, at White Hall were burnt. 

In 1813, the house of Ebenezer Miles and sons was 
burnt with its contents. 

1826. Williams Dean's house and most of its furniture 
was burnt. 

In 1829. the last third of the Barracks, owned by Wil- 
liam Henry's heirs, was destroyed by fire 

Several years past, a barn of Dr. John Frink. was 
burnt : it took fire by lightning. 

Recently, a barn of Jeduthan Green was burnt ; it caught 
fire from blasting of rocks. 

Within a few years two mechanic shops were 
one of which stood near Bigelow's mills, the other 
Boston, not far from Dale's mills. 

In 1812. the school house in District Xo. 4 was burnt. 



t caught 

; burnt a 
in Xewf 



HISTORY OF RUTLANP. 73 

i\roi"e recontly the school house in District No 1, was 
burnt. 

In 1S;30. the meeting-house erected in 1759. was on 
Febiuary 28th burnt ; supposed to have taken fire by 
coals falling from a stove through a crack in the floor on 
shavings. It was in a blaze, about one half hour after the 
afternoon services were ended. 

In 1832. the school house in District Xo. 3, was burnt. 

Most of the buildings were burnt in the dav time ; and 
fortunately no lives were lost. 

EXTRACTS FOM REV. MR. WHITXEyS 
HISTORY OF RUTLAXD. 

*• We are happy in being able to say, that the records 
respecting Rutland, have been kept very correct and per- 
fect, and in fine order from the first. 

'• The land in general is very good, and the soil is rich 
and strono- : It is not extraordinary for raising of o^rain, 
though a suHiciency is produced for the inhabitants ; it is 
very well adai)ted to grass and grazing, and most excel- 
lent for orcharding : Here are large and line orchards. 

•• In this town u|>wards of forty persons have lately 
united, and established a social Library, of the value of 
nearly 30/., and containing about seventy volumes, at pres- 
ent." 

On Sunday. Jan. 1st. 182G. the Sabbath School Library 
commenced ; it now contains upwards of three hundred 
volumes. 

Oa July 4th, 1835. the Sabbath School Scholars to the 
number of two hundred and seventy-five, assembled at 
the meeting-house, where a pathetic and affectionate ad- 
dress was delivered to them by their Pastor ; after which 
6* 



74 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

they were escorted with music to the Town House, and 
with their parents partook of a friendly repast furnished by 
the Ladies. 

" The people of Rutland are principally farmers, except 
a few traders in European, East and West India Goods, 
the usual mechanics, and those employed in the card mak- 
ing business, which is newly set up here ; And they are 
a peaceable, happy, flourishing people. In this town, pot 
and pearl ash making is carried on very largely. When 
the census was taken in 1790 there were 1072 souls in 
the town. In 1820, 1276." 

In 1788, the ratable polls were 242. In 1834, 306. 
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

The inhabitants of Rutland have not been destitute of 
a preached Gospel or settled minister, only for a few short 
intervals from its first settlement to the present time. 

As early as July 12th, 1721, "At a town meeting legal- 
ly warned to choose some able, learned Orthodox minister 
to settle in Gospel Order, the Rev. Mr. Joseph Wil- 
lard was chosen by a great majority of the voters, which 
invitation he accepted.'' This Mr. Willard had been or- 
'dained a minister of Sunderland in the county of Hamp- 
.shire. 

After he had accepted the invitation to settle with the 
people of Rutland, he met with many and great discour- 
.agements, and particularly by reason of the fears and dan- 
gers arising from the Indians ; so that an appointment of 
his installation was deferred. However, at length a day 
■was fixed upon for his solemn separation to the work of the 
aninistry in that place, in the fall of the year 1723 ; but he 



IIISTOHY OF RUTLAND. i -J 

lived not to see the day, being cut off by tlie Indians, Au- 
gust 14. 

At a meeting of tlie inhabitants of Rutland, July 14, 
1724, they cliose a coniniittee to treat and agree with Mr. 
Andrew Gardner to settle with them in the woik of the 
ministry. There is nothing further on record as respects 
Mr. Gardner. 

The following persons preached in the interim between 
the death of JMr. Willard, and settlement of Mr. Fiink; 
Rev. Mr. Pierpont, Mr. Samuel Jcnison and Mr. William 
Brintnal. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of Rutland legally warn- 
ed May 17, 1727, to choose and call an able and learn- 
ed Orthodox and ])ious person to dispense the word of God 
unto them. Being met at time and place, Capt. Samuel 
Wright was chosen JNIoderator. 

The votes being called for, Mr. Thomas Frink was 
chosen by a unanimous vote, to be the minister of Rutland, 
(having had the advice of three ordained ministers as the 
law directs.) Mr. Frink had preached as a candidate 
from August, 1726, to his call. 



MR. FRINK'S ANSWER. 

« 
At the adjournment of the meeting July 12, 1727. 

" To the Town of Rutland. 
Gentlemen. 
'• I have now considered on the call you gave me to 
settle with you in the ministry. And as I think it is a call 
from God in his Providence, so I do acce})t of the same, 
and shall be willing to settle among 3'ou as a Gospel min- 



76 HISTORY OF RUTLANP. 

ister, Provided I have a suitable Eucourageraent, and 
Gospel Maintenance. 

I am your friend and servant, 

TMOM'S FRINK. 

Rutland, July 18, 1727. 

On Oct. 9, next following, Capt. Samuel Wright, 
Lieut. Simon Davis, INIessrs. Joseph Stevens, Edward 
Rice, Moses How, Malcolm Hendry, Jonathan Davis 
and Samuel Brown assembled (at the house of said 
Wright) with the said Frink, and after Solemn Prayer to 
God, and Mutual Christian Conference, they signed a 
Church Covenant in Form Following, viz. : 

SOLEMN COVENANT. 

Wk whose Names are hereunto subscribed (Inhabitants 
of Rutland) apprehending ourselves called of God into 
the Church State of the Gospel ; Do first of all confess 
ourselves unworthy to be so highly favored of the Lord, 
and admire his free and rich Giace which calls us here- 
unto. And then (with humble Reliance, and entire De- 
pendence on the Assistance of his Holy Spirit hereunto 
promised ; ) under a deep sense of our own Insufficiency 
an4 inability to do any good, because of our sinfulness 
and proneness to offend the Most High God in Heart and 
Life, through the prevalence of sin in us, and many fold 
Temptations without us ; Do thankfully lay hold on his 
Covenant and promises, do solemnly enter into Covenant 
with God, and one with another according to God. We 
declare our serious and hearty Belief of the Chi-istian Re- 
ligion as contained in the Holy Scriptures, acknowledging 
them to contain the whole revealed Will of God concern- 



HISTO:'>Y OF RUTLAND. 77 

ing our Faith and Practice, resolving to conform our 
Hearts and lives unto the Rules of that Holy Religion 
as long as we live. We give up ourselves unto the Lord 
Jehovah, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, the on- 
ly True and Living God, and Avouch him this day, to be 
our God, and our Portion forever. We give up ourselves 
to Jesus Christ, who is the Lord Jehovah as our blessed 
Savior, Prophet, Priest and King over our Souls, and only 
Mediator of the Covenant of Grace. We acknowledge 
Ilim to be the Head of his People in the Covenant, and 
promise by his Spirit to adhere unto him as such by Faith 
and Gospel Obedience, as becoraeth his Covenant People. 
We acknowledge our everlasting and indispensable Obli- 
gations to glorify Our God in all the Duties of a Godly, 
Sober and Righteous Life, and particularly in the duties 
of a Church State, as a P>ody of People associated in 
Obedience to Him in all the Ordinances of the Gospel. 
We engage, with dependence on his promised Grace and 
Spirit, to walk togethei" as a Church of the Lord Jesus 
Chi-ist, in the Faith and Order of the Gospel. As partic- 
ularly, To keep the Lord's Day holy to Him, and consci- 
etiously attend the public Worship of God thereon, in 
praying to Him, and, Singing His Praise, and giving rev- 
erent attention to his Word read and preached according 
to his institutions. To hold Communion with each other 
in the administrations of the Seals of the Covenant, name- 
ly, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. To submit to the 
Holy Discipline appointed by Christ in his Church; 
Obeying them that rule over us in the Lord. To walk in 
Love and Charity One towards Another, endeavouring our 
mutual Edification and Comfort, and hecdfully to follow the 
several Rules laid down and given us by Christ and his 
Apostles for Church dealing, and watchfully avoiding sin- 



78 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

ful stumbling Blocks and Contentions, as becometh the 
Lord's People ia Covenant with Him. 

And furthermore, — Such of us as have Children do 
also present them with ourselves unto the Lord, promising 
to bring them up in the knowledge and Fear of God, by 
holy Instructions and Corrections in the Lord. And such 
of us whom it may please God in time to settle in Families, 
as also we jvho are by his Blessing in a Family State, do 
promise, by his Grace, to w\alk in our Houses in the Fear 
of God, maintaining Family Worship, and reading the 
Scriptures, and by being Examples of Holiness, Sobriety, 
and Righteousness, to all that are or may be of our charge, 
and bv catechisino^ and Educatinor such Children as God 
shall give us, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, 
and by presenting them to the mercy of his covenant. 

And all this we do, flying to the Blood of the Covenant 
for Pardon of our sins and Errors, and praying that the 
Glorious Lord Jesus Christ, who is the great Shepherd 
and the head of Influences, would, by his spirit, prepare 
and streno^then us for every ofood work, workino- in us that 
which is well pleasing in his Sight. To whom be Glory 
forever. Amen. 

THOMAS FRINK. SAMUEL WRIGHT, 

MOSES HOW, 
JOSEPH STEVENS, 
JONATHAN DAVIS, 
SIMON DAVIS, 
EDWARD RICE, 
MALKEM HENDERY, 
SAMUEL BROWN. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 79 



MR. FRINK'S ORDINATION. 

After signing the Covenant the said Covenanting 
Brethren agreed and voted to send I>etters IMissive to the 
Churches of ^Marlborough, Lancaster, Sudbury, East and 
West Parishes, Leicester and Brookfield, to afford their 
Presence and Assistance by their Pastors and Dele"-ates 
on November 1st, following, to embody into a Church 
State, and for the Solemn Separation and Ordination of 
the said Thomas Friuk to the Gospel Ministry and Pastor- 
al Office among them. And Capt. Samuel Wright and 
Lieut. Simon Davis were chosen to sign the said Letters 
in the name of the Brethren ; And accordingly Letters 
were sent forth by them signed to the said churches. 

On the 31st of October in the evening, the Covenanting 
Brethren met at the house of Capt. Samuel Wright and 
admitted Eleazer Heywood into their number, who then 
signed the said Covenant. At the same time and place, 
the said Churches sent unto, assembled by their respective 
Pastors and Delegates, viz. : Church of Marlborough, 
Rev. Mr. Robert Breck and Delegates ; Lancaster, John 
Prentice, &c. ; West Sudbury, Israel Loring, &c. ; Eas^ 
Sudbury, William Cook, &c. ; Leicester, David Parsons, 
&c.; Brookfield, Thomas Cheney, &c. 

The said Pastors and Delegates formed themselves into 
a Council ; Rev. Mr. Breck was chosen their .Moderator. 
The Covenanting Brethren then presented themselves be- 
fore the said Council with their covenant signed as afore- 
said ; and those of them, who had been in Church Fellow- 
ship before, produced their Letters of Dismission and Re- 
commendation, viz. ; Thomas Frink and Samuel Wrioht 
from Sudbury West Church ; Simon Davis from Concord ; 



80 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Edward Rice, from Marlborough ; Moses How, from 
Brookiield, and Malkem Hendery, pi'oduced Letters Tes- 
timonial from Rev. Mr. Halyday, Presbyterian Minister 
of the Parish of Adstraw in Ireland ; all which were ac- 
cepted ; and the other four signers of the Covenant (who 
had been in Church Fellowship) were also approved of. 
Then the said Brethren declared to the Council, their 
choice of the said Thomas Frink to be their Pastor ; and 
by the direction of the Council, they chose Mr. Bieck to 
give the Charge at Oidination ; and then the Council 
chose Mr. Prentice to gather the Church in the public 
Assembly ; and Mr. Loi'ing to give the . Right Hand of 
Fellowship. On November the 1st, was the day appoint- 
ed for Ordination. In the meeting-house, Mr. Cheney 
opened the Solemnities with Prayer ; ]Mr. Loring preach- 
ed tlie Sermon from 2d Cor. ii. 1 G, '" And ivho is suff.cient 
for these things V Mr. Parsons prayed preparatory to the 
Ordination ; Mr. Prentice Gathered the Church, &c. ; 
Mr. Breck (after the Church and Congregation had pub- 
licly by uplifted hands declared their Election of the said 
Thomas Frink to be their Pastor, and he had also declared 
his acceptance of their call) proceeded to Prayer, and the 
Charge, he, Mr. Prentice, Mr. Loring, INIr. Parsons and 
Mr. Cheney laying on their Hands, and Ordained the said 
Thomas Frink a Presbyter of the Church of Christ, and 
Pastor of Rutland, &c. Mr. Prentice prayed after the 
Charge. Mr. Loring gave the Right Hand ; and after 
singing part of the 89th Psalm, the new Ordained Pastor 
pronounced the Blessing. 

MR. SEWALL'S GIFT. 
March 24, — After the first Holy Communion, it wal 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 81 

proposed by the Pastor, and imaiiiinously agreed to by 
tlie Brethren to send by their Pastor particular Thanks to 
]\Ir. Samuel Sevvall of Boston, Merchant, for his very 
kind and valuable Gift of the Sacramental Vessels to the 
Church. 

REV. MR. FRINK'S DISMISSION. 

In a short time after Mr. Frink's settlement, the Church 
consisting of about three-fifths Congregationalists and two- 
fifths Presbyterians ; some of the tenets and modes of 
Church ceremonies and discipline being a little different, 
it created a coolness in affection in some of the Brethren 
towards Mr. Frink, and contrary to his advice and admo- 
nition communed with the Presbyterians in other towns 5 
and in a short time withdrew and erected a House of Wor- 
ship by themselves. 

In 1740, June 30th, At a Church meeting. Rev. Mr. 
Frink requested a dismission from his Pastoral Relation to 
the Church. At this time the Church did not grant his re- 
quest. Mr. Frink renewed his request. It was laid 
before the town; and on Sept. 8, 1740, "Voted, That 
the Town are willing that the Rev. Mr. Frink should 
be dismissed from his Pastoral Relations to this 
Church and Town, and do refer the manner of his 
Dismission to the Church." Thereupon Voted, " That 
the Church do comply with the Pastor's request and accord- 
ingly Dismiss him from his Pastoral Relation to this 
Church and Town, and Recommend him to the Grace of 
God and Holy Church Fellowship." " I do consent to this 
vote and declare my Pastoral Relation to this Church and 
Town dissolved, and on my Part do recommend this 
Church to the Grace of God and holy Church Fellowship." 

7 



82 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

And then the said Thomas Frink dismissed the Breth- 
ren with a Blessing. The Grace of onr Lord Jesus 
Christ be with you all. Amen. 

Members of the Church. Joseph Stevens, Edward 
Rice, John Stone, Phineas Stevens, John Fletcher, John 
Hubbard, Jonathan Davis, Samuel Brown, Jonas Stone, 
Samuel Man. 

PRESBYTERIANS. 

The following persons brought Letters Testimonial of 
their being Communicants in Ireland, and were received 
into Church Fellowship in Rutland, viz : Malkem Hen- 
dery, from Rev. Mr. Halyday, Presbyterian minister of 
the Parish of Ardstraw in Ireland, John Hamilton and wife, 
John Crawford and wife, Aaron Crawford and wife, John 
Browning and wife, Margaret, wife of Malkem Hendery, 
Ann, wife of William Fen ton, Margaret, wife of Robert 
Patrick, Sarah Mccarter, single woman, Alexander 
Bothwell and wife, John Moor, Robert Mclem and wife, 
also from other churches, or admitted as new members, 
Consider, wife of John Lecore, sen., AYilliam Fen ton, 
Duncan McFarland's wife, Edward Savage and wife, Wil- 
liam Sloan and wife, Matthew Slarrow and wife, Wil- 
liam Mccarter and wife, Eleanor, daughter of John Ham- 
ilton, Margaret, daughter of John Crawford, John Clark 
and wife, William and Anne, son and daughter of Thomas 
Mcclanathan, and William Watson. 

As stated above, these withdrew and took no part in the 
dismission of Mr. Frink ; — Built them a house to meet 
in, and placed it on the Northeast corner of House Lot, 
No. 46, afterwards owned by Capt. John Mcclanathan, 
now by Andrew Putnam, near the roads leading to Paxton 
and Spencer. Having certain privileges granted them, it 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND, 83 

was taken down, and set up iii the West Wing, and was 
the meeting-house in Oakham until their pesent one was 
erected near the same i)hice. The Church of Christ in 
that phice was on August 28, 1767, embodied in Presbyte- 
rian form. 

The Presbyterians, as well as the Congregationalists were 
conscientious in having their children dedicated in baptism 
the first convenient opportunity after their birth; — some 
were so tenacious of having the ordinance administered by 
those of their particular tenets, (as bad as the roads then 
were upwards of seventy years ago) carried their infants 
in their arms on horseback as far as Pelham, to have the 
ordinance administered in Presbyterian form, &c. 

MR. THOMAS M4RSH. 

At a Church meeting March 6th, 1740-41, to make 
choice of some suitable person to be their minister, the 
votes being called for and brought in, the Rev. Mr. Thomas 
Marsh was unanimously chosen. 

JOSEPH STEVENS, Mod'r. 

On April 1st, 1741, the town by a unanimous vote con- 
curred. 

JOSEPH STEVENS, Mod'r. 

Chose Capt. John Hubbard, Capt. Joseph Stevens and 
Ens. Moses How to inform Mr. Marsh, and receive his 
answer. This is the last we find on record respecting Mr. 
Marsh. 

CHURCH MEETING— MR. BUCKMINSTER. 

At a Church meeting in Rutland, Nov. 17, 1741, the 



84 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

meeting was opened by prayer to God for his assistance. 
It was put to vote whether the Church would proceed to 
the choice of a minister at present, and it passed in the 
affirmative. The vote for a minister was called for, and 
being brought in, Mr. Joseph Buckminster was chosen to 
be our minister. 

JOHN STONE, Mod'r. 

On Dec. 9th, 1741, the town being met, by a large 
majority, concurred with the Church. 

JOHN STONE, 3IodW. 

TOWN MEETING— MR. BUCKMINSTER. 

1742, August 9th, Dea. Eleazer Ball, Chosen Mod'r. 
Voted, That the town accept of Mr. Buckminster's con- 
tract, and join in his ordination ; and chose Eleazer Ball, 
Capt. Moses Rice and Daniel Estabrook a committee to 
provide for the same. 

MR. BUCKMINSTER'S ANSWER. 

Rutland, June 7, 1742. 
Gentlemen, 

I READILY accept of the Settlement and Salary you 
have offered me, and gratefully acknowledge your kind- 
ness therein, — hoping that I have the presence of God 
with me in this undertaking, and that his Blessing may 
succeed both you and me, — may God grant that we may 
live together in love as Brethren, and members of the 
same body, whose Head is Christ. I give myself to the 
ministry, and hope that if it be ordered that I be ordained 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 85 

among you, I shall be found a skilful and faithful divider 
of the Word of Truth. 

JOSEPH BUCKMINSTER. 

The ordination of Mr. Buckminster was on Sept. 15, 
1742. 

The town and church were so well united at the close 
of Mr. Buckminster's ministry and life, that every person 
in town that paid any taxes, paid a part of his salary.* 

"Mr. Buckminster continued the able, faithful and wor- 
thy minister of Rutland until November od, 1792, when 
he died in the 73d year of his age, and the 51st of his 
ministry." — Whitney. 

REV. HEZEKIAH GOODRICH. 

1793. The Church having invited Mr. Hezekiah 

Goodrich to settle with them in the Gospel Ministry, and 
on April 15th, the town concurring, Mr. Goodrich gave 
the following answer. 

To the Church of Christ and Society of Rutland. 

Brethren and Friends, 

Whereas in moving for the re-settlement of a Gospel 
minister, you have been pleased to invite me to the Pas- 
toral Office. Permit me here to acknowledge my affec- 
tionate gratitude for the respect paid me in this act of 
yours. Permit me farther to say that the several steps you 
have taken relative to this matter, have not failed to gain 

*E[is salary was 65f., equal to gold and silver, and use of the Min- 
^-tofial lands. 

7« 



86 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

my most serious attention — this attention I readily paid 
as a service due to you, and the common interests of Re- 
ligion. When I heard of the unanimity of the Brethren of 
the Church, and was presented by their Committee with a 
vote expressive, as they said of their sincere Desire and 
earnest request that I would consent to settle with them in 
the Gospel Ministry, and when I was informed of the gen- 
eral harmony of the society, in concurring with the same, 
and the comfortable provision* m;ide for my support. 1 
could no longer remain indifferent to your wishes. And 
now without a formal Declaration of my reasons. I 
hereby Declare my acceptance of your Call to take the 
Pastonil charge of you. — Asking an interest in your 
Prayers, and wishing that Grace, Mercy and Peace from 
the great Head of the Church may be multiplied unto you. 

I remain with every sentiment of respect and esteem 
yours, 

HEZEKTAH GOODRICH. 

CHURCH MEETIXG — MR. GOODRICH'S OR- 
DINATION. 

Voted to choose a Committee to appoint a I>ay for the 
ordination of Mr. Goodrich and issue Letters missive to 
the Churches that shall be chosen to assist in the ordina- 
tion. Voted, That Dea. Reed. Dea. How and Dea- Da- 
vis be a committee for that purpose, and that the Churchc 
in the following towns be sent to for an ordaining council : 
the first and second Churches in Weathersfield. the Church 
in Durham, the Churches in Shrewsbury, Rarre, Hub- 
bardston. Portsmouth. Sterling. Holden and Oakham ; 

* lOOi or ;^>oo.oo. 



HTSTOPvT OF RUTLAND. 87 

« 
and that the Committee lay their proceedings of this Day 

before the town for their concurrence. 

JOSEPH AVERY, Mod^r. 

At a meeting of tlie inliahitants of Rutland, April loth, 
1793. 

WILLIAM CALDWELL, Esq., chosen MocTr. 

Voted to concur with the Church respecting the ordain- 
ing Council. The ordination was appointed June 19, 
1 793. On said day Mr. Goodrich was ordained as a min- 
ister of the Church and People of Rutland. 

Rev. Hezekiah Goodrich died Eebruary 7, 1812. aged 
42 years. 

CIIURCII MEETING. 

Mat 1, 1812. At a meeting of the Church of Christ 
in Rutland, 

Dea. JOXAS HOW, J/orfr. 

Voted, That the Thursday next preceding the first Sab- 
bath in July next be observed by this Church as a Day of 
fasting and prayer to implore Divine direction in our pres- 
ent situation, especially in the choice of a Pastor. Voted, 
That the Moderator, Dea. Tilly Flint, and Mr. Jonas 
Reed, be a committee to invite such minister or ministers 
as they think proper to attend said fast, &c. 

MR. LUKE BALDWIN FOSTER. 

1812, Dec. 15. At a Church meeting duly convened 
this day. Voted, To invite Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster 
to take the Pastoral charge of this Church. Dea. 
Jonas How, Dea. Tilly Flint and 3Ir. Jonas Stone were 
chosen a committee to inform Mr. Luke B. Foster of the 
proceedings of the Church, and request his acceptance. 



88 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

The town being legally warned and convened, Voted, 
To concur with the Chnrch in their choice of Mr. Luke 
Baldwin Foster for their Pastor. 

MR. FOSTER'S ANSWER. 

To the Church and Society in Rutland. 

My Christian Friends and Brethren, 

To call mankind to order, peace and happiness, has 
,been the benevolent purpose of Jehovah from the morning 
of time to the present day. To accomplish so glorious, so 
blessed a work, the Son of God, the great Shepherd of 
Souls, moved by pity and compassion for the ruined race 
of men, descended from the mansions of bliss, glory and 
love, and paid his atoning visit to a degenerate world. 
Upon earth he lead a life of unexampled sorrow, and at 
last spilt his own blood of Innocence, and expired inglori- 
ous on the Cross ; — Yet he revived and ascended on high, 
whom the heavens have now received from mortal sight. — 
And when he burst the rocky marble, and rose triumphant 
from the grave, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts un- 
to men, for the perfecting of the Saints, and for the work 
of the ministry. Since which time the Pastoral Office 
dates its Origin, — and a succession of teachers in the 
Church there will be, till time on earth shall be no more. 
The office of the Gospel ministry is absolutely a necessa- 
ry office for the eternal salvation of men. Christ institut- 
ing, appointing and commissioning such an order of men, 
is a manifest of this, and the preaching of his cross has 
been signally blessed in all ages for the conviction and con- 
version of sinners. The great Shepherd of Israel alone 
sends forth the heralds of Salvation,' and in the course ofj 
His providence determines where they shall labor. Prompt-j 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 89 

ed by a love of his cause and religion, and moved I trust 
by his spirit, I have entered the ministry under his iruid- 
ance and direction, been called to preach his Gospel in^'this 
place, and the time has now come in which I suppose you 
expect from me an answer to your invitation to settle with 
you in the Gospel ministry. I approach the decision with 
many mingled sensations of pleasure and pain. To some 
I believe it will be painful, to others pleasant. While an- 
ticipating a decision, my mind is filled with anxious hopes 
and trembling fears. On the one side the prospect is fair, 
on the other hangs a dark cloud. While you are inviting' 
my heart assenting, there are good men denying, and It 
would have been an apparent miracle had a complete una- 
nimity prevailed among so large a Society at the present 
day. But upon consultation, reflection and advice — upon 
realizing your general unanimity, and trusting solely to 
God's grace and goodness, and praying him to direct^ my 
steps in all wisdom and prudence, so as to be useful to you 
all, and render my own life happy, I shall give a decision 
in the affirmative. And should God see fit to place me 
as a watchman over you, remember I am but a youth, and 
one of the least of the Embassadors of Christ,"and want 
your prayers, and instructions of age and experience.— I 
tremble for myself,— I tremble for those whom God has 
determined I shall instruct, for " Woe is me," if they per- 
ish through my neglect. In the execution of my oflftce, I 
must expect to encounter many difliculties, to endure many 
trials, troubles and aflflictions ; but my strength is in God ; 
and I hope in me he has begun a good work, and will make 
me faithful and abundantly successful in winning souls to 
Christ, and be a present help and comfort through all the 
gloomy scenes I may be called to pass in this vale of tears. 
I must view it an insufferable omission to pass the present 



90 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

opportunity, without expressing my sincere thanks to this 
Church and Society for the many testimonies of your 
affection towards me. 

Our attachment I am disposed to believe is mutual. I 
can only speak for one, — words and actions speak the 
rest. And whatever my future destination may be, you, my 
friends, shall I have in grateful remembrance, while reason 
and memory last. — Nothing but the grave will be able to 
sever my affections from a people, whom now I esteem, 
whom now I respect. In fine, my heart's desire is for your 
temporal and spiritual welfare. Ever remember to be 
good, and to communicate forget not; ever show your- 
selves the followers of the Lamb. P^ach of us must 
shortly give an account of himself to God. A period will 
soon arrive, when you and I must appear at the Judgment 
seat of Christ, let this solemn consideration excite our 
hearts to a diligent and faithful improvement of time and 
opportunity ; that when we are called to take the last part- 
ing farewell of our earthly friends and companions, our 
souls may be welcomed by angels into those heavenly 
Mansions, where sorrow, sighs and tears shall be no more. 

LUKE B. FOSTER. 

Rutland, Jan. 31, 1813. 

MR. FOSTER'S ORDINATION. 

1813, Feb. 8. At a Church meeting duly convened at 
the meeting-house, 12 o'clock at noon, — Voted, That 
whereas the town has concurred with the Church in the 
invitation of Mr. Luke Baldwin Foster to take the Pastor- 
al charge of the Church and Congregation in this town, 
and the said Mr. Foster having given his answer in the 
affirmative, they will now proceed to invite the following 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 9l 

Churdies, viz., the Church in Shrewsbury, Holden, Pax- 
ton, Oakham, Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton, Ilardwick, 
Monson and the second Church in Wilbraham, to con- 
vene with their Pastors and Delegates to form an Eccle- 
siastical Council, for the purpose of separating the said 
Mr. Foster to the work of the Gospel ministry in Rutland. 
Voted, That Dea. Jonas How, Dea. Tilly Flint and Mr. 
Jonas Reed be a committee to wait on the venerable 
Council with a copy of the proceedings of the Church. 

The ordination was on Feb. 24, 1813, — When the Rev. 
INIr. Luke Baldwin P^'oster was separated as minister of 
the Church and Society in Rutland. 

Rev. Luke Baldwin Foster died May 23, 1817, aged 

28 years. 

CHURCH MEETING. 

At a Church meeting July 18, 1817, Dea. Tilly Flint 
was chosen Moderator of said Church. 

At a Church meeting Sept. 25th, Voted, To set apart 
as a Day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, to implore 
Divine direction in the choice of a minister ; — chose 
Dea. Tilly Flint, Dea. Jonas Reed and Capt. Barzaillai 
Miles a committee to invite ministers to attend said Fast ; 
a day accordingly was observed, and the Rev. Mr. Thom- 
as Snell of North Brookfield preached a sermon. 

REV. JOSIAH CLARK. 

At a meeting of the Church, March 30, 1818, the 
Church vot^d unanimously to invite Mr. Josiah Clark to 
take the charge and oversight of them in the Gospel Min- 
istry. 



92 



HISTORY OF RUILAND. 



On April 1 4, the town very unanimously concurred with 
the Church in their choice of Mr. Clark to be their minis- 
ter. 

The Church immediately after the town meeting chose 
Dea. Jonas Reed, Dea. Tilly Flint and Dr. John Frink a 
committee to inform Mr. Josiah Clark of the doings of the 
Church and concurrence of the town, in calling, and in- 
viting him to settle with them in the Gospel Ministry. 

Mr. Clark having giving his answer in the affirmative, 
Dea. Jonas Reed, Capt. Calvin How and Capt. Samuel S. 
Watson, were chosen a committee at a meeting of the Church, 
May 4th, 1818, to write Letters missive to the Churches 
in Shrewsbury, Northampton, Leicester, Holden, Paxton, 
Spencer, Oakham. Parre, Hubbardston, Princeton and to 
the President of Williams College, to invite them by their 
Pastors and Delegates to assist in the Ordination of Mr. 
Josiah Clark. 

On June 1st, the following Churches, by their Pastors 
and Delegates met at the house of Dr. Frink. From the 
Churches in Shrewsbury, Spencer, Holden, Oakham, Bar- 
re, Leicester, Paxton, Hubbardston and Princeton. The 
Rev. Joseph Sumner, D. D. was chosen Moderator, Rev. 
Gains Conant, Scribe. 

June 2d, Mr. Clark presented himself before the Coun- 
cil, and was examined by them ; and a vote was passed 
to proceed to ordination The Rev. Mr. Tomlinson open- , 
ed the meeting with prayer. The Rev. Mr. Nelson 
preached the sermon ; Dr. Sumner made the consecrating I 
prayer ; Rev. Mr. Avery gave the charge ; Rev. Mr. Gay j 
the right hand, — and Rev. Mr. Thompson the concluding 
prayer. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



93 



MINISTERS OF RUTLAND— WHEN SETTLED, 
DISMISSED OR DIED. 

Rev. Joseph Willard's ordination appointed in the fall 
of the year 1723; killed by the Indians, August 14, 1723. 

Rev. Thomas Frink was ordained Nov. 1727. — Dismiss- 
ed Sept. 8th, 1740. 

Rev. Joseph Buckminster was ordained Sept. 15th, 1742. 
Died Nov. ord, 1792, aged 73 years. 

Rev. Hezekiah Goodrich was ordained June 19th, 1793. 
Died Feb. 7th, 1812, aged 42 years. 

Rev. Luke Baldwin Foster was ordained Feb. 24, 1813. 
Died May 23d, 1817, aged 28 years. 

Rev. Josiah Clark was ordained June 2d, 1818. 

DEACONS OF THE CHURCH— WHEN 
CHOSEN. 

Samuel Wright and Joseph Stevens Jan. 8, 1728. 
John Stone, Oct. 18, 1736. Eleazer Ball, June 30, 1738. 
Ephraim Davis, Dec. 11, 1746. John Stone accepted, 
1753. Jonas Reed and Jonas How, April 30, 1772. Sam- 
uel Davis, 1783. Tilly Flint, 1810. Jonas Reed, 1813. 
William Mead and Benjamin Buss, May 3, 1826. 

MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH AT DIFFERENT 
PERIODS. 

Mr. Frink's ministry, full communion, 88, — baptismal 
30. Mr. Buckminster's, full communion, 204, — baptis- 
mal, 363. Mr. Goodrich's, full communion, 89. Mr. Fos 
8 



94 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

ter's, full communion,- 14. Mr. Clark's, first ten years of 
his ministry, full communion, 176. 

BAPTISMS. 

By Mr. Frink— males 96, females 99,— total 195.— 
Mr. Buckminster — males 737, females 721, — total 1458. 

MARRIAGES. 

By Mr. Frink, 24 couples. — Mr. Buckminster, 261. — 
Samuel Wright, 6. — John Stone, 26. — John Frink, 21. — 
John Fessenden, 15. — William Caldwell, 1. 

Most of the children of Presbyterians were baptised by 
Presbyterian ministers. As we have not their records, it 
cannot be stated the number of baptisms in the town. 

Under the ministry of Mr. Frink and Mr. Buckminster, 
persons of tender consciences, were, by owning the bap- 
tismal Covenant, and engaging to partake of the Lord's 
Supper as soon as they could cons<;ientiously, were permit- 
ed the privilege to offer their children in baptism ; many of 
those that at first owned the baptismal covenant, afterwards 
came forward and partook of the Lord's Supper. 

^Baptisms in the Congregational Church from the set- 
tlement of Mr. Frink in 1727 to the death of Mr. Buck- 
minster in 1792, were, males 833, females 820, total 1653. 
Marriages 355. 

Members of the Church in 1828, males 70, females 130.. 
Baptisms in the first ten years of Mr. Clark's ministry, 233., 
The following are the only persons now living in Rutland, 
that were admitted into the Church under the ministry of 
Mr. Buckminster : Tilly Flint, Jonas Reed and Benjamin 
Mead. 



i 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



95 



It is worthy of notice that Rutland contains the mortal 
part of all iier ministers, 

INDIANS. 

The inhabitants of Rutland were more or less exposed 
to the merciless Indians for more than thirty years, — 
their guns were by their side, in the house, in the field, and 
in the Sanctuary. In 1723, the town voted to build a fort 
about the house the Rev. Mr. Willard lived in ; there 
were several other forts built in various places of the set- 
tlement, " such were the excitements, and such the tem- 
per of the red people. Their warfare opened a stream of 
blood that long continued to purple the land, and worked 
woe and misery for the helpless emigrants of New 
England. Tiie destroyers were lurking around them in 
the vast forests, and no signal preceded the blow. The 
sudden incursion burst upon the settlements. The hoary 
head of the venerable father was dabbled in his own gore ; 
the tresses of the maidens were blood-stained ; and the 
slumbers of the cradle were often exchanged for the 
dreamless sleep of eternity. The husbandman went out 
to cultivate his fields armed as if for battle; and when he 
laid down to rest, the sword and musket were the compan- 
ions of his pillow." " Such is the peculiar character of 
the savage temper, that time nor distance mitigates the 
spirit of revenge for supposed wrongs. In 1722, the East- 
ern Indians exasperated by some supposed encroachments 
on their lands, again took up the tomahawk. Tiie war 
was carried on iii a manner peculiarly bloody in the set- 
tlements within New Hampshire and Maine. Rutland, al- 
though far removed from the scene of action, felt the fury 
of their vengeance. In the two succeeding years they 



96 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

continued to receive the most violent assaults from the bar- 
barians. Several of the inhabitants were killed or cap- 
tured, and among the former their minister." 

As late as 1747, the town petitioned the General Court 
to fortify this town against the common enemy with garri- 
sons, and a suitable number of men for its defence, and 
Voted, that all the able-bodied men be drawn by the select- 
men and commissioned officers for scouting. 

A sketch of some of the cruelties of the Indians in the 
adjacent towns. 

Worcester. — In the year 1702, the Indians killed the 
wife of Dickery Sargeant and two of his children, and car- 
ried three of his children into captivity. Mr. Elisha Ward 
was supposed to be killed. On the 21st of October, 1713, 
Jonas Rice with his family moved into the place and re- 
mained there, without any other inhabitant, until the 
spring of the year 1715, when a considerable number of 
persons joined him. 

Brookfield, in 1675, not two years after its incorpo- 
ration, was utterly destroyed by the Indians, when the in- 
habitants consisted of about twenty families. Being so 
early settled, and no other white inhabitants within many 
miles, they for a long time were frequently assaulted and 
distressed by the Indians. At that time there was a large 
swamp or plain within the limits of what is now New Braiur 
tree, thickly covered with wood, called Wenimesset, where 
the Indians resorted, and made it a place of rendezvous 
when they meditated an assault on Brookfield. 

At this place Mrs. Rowlandson's child died ; also Mrs. 
Joslin and her child were knocked on the head, stripped 
naked and burnt. 

Oxford. — "On the sixth of August 1724, four Indians 
came upon a small house, built under a hill ; they made a 



niSTO:^Y OF RUTLAND. 97 

breach in the roof, and as one of them was attempting to 
enter, he receivefl a shot in his belly from a courageous 
womiin, the only person in the house, who had two mus- 
kets and two pistols charged, and was prepared for all four, 
but they thought fit to retreat, carrying of? the dead or 
wounded man." 

PETERS^rA^r. — ''This had been a seat for Indians, — 
and it was called many years by its Indian name, which 
was Nichawang, and in the South part of the town, lies 
Nichaiuaug Hill, so called by the natives, whereon, as in 
some other parts of the town, they had formerly fields of 
Indian corn." 

Rutland. — Although it cannot be stated, that this 
town was ever a permanent settlement of the Indians, 
it is evident they claimed the soil, and made excursions 
to it ; the compiler, some years since, found in his field a 
stone gouge. There is on Muschopauge hill, a root and 
herb place, called the Indian Garden ; and the followino- 
places in Rutland and its vicinity have Indian names, Mus- 
chopauge Pond, Sepoge Pond, Asnebumskit Hill and 
Pond, Asnaconcomick Pond, Quinepoxet Pond and Pom- 
agusset Meadow. 

The following persons were killed by the Indians in Rut- 
land : — -1723, August 14, Rev. Joseph Willard, — Sam- 
uel and Joseph Stevens, were killed. 

1724, August 3d, Joseph Wood, Uriah Ward and James 
Clark from Ireland were killed by the Indians. 

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF COLLEGE GRAD- 
UATIONS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS BE- 
LONGING TO RUTLAND. 

Rev. Joseph Willard, it is probable, was of the fam- 

8* 



98 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

ily of that name, who were large j^roprietors of Rutland. 
He ojraduated at Harvard University in 1715. Was min- 
ister a short time in Sunderland, in the County of Ha np- 
shire. After Mr. Willard had preached some time, the 
inhabitants by virtue of an order of the committee of 
Rutland chose him tor their minister, which invitation he 
accepted on July 12, 1721. Mr. Willard took p ssession, 
built on, and improved House Lot No. 61^ granted and 
set off for the first settled minister. There being so much 
danger from the Indians, the town voted to build a fort 
about his house. The time was appointed for his ordina- 
tion in the fall of 1723. Being out with his gun on Au- 
gust 14th, hunting, or to collect fodder for the coming win- 
ter, he was surprised by two Indians, — one of the In- 
dians' guns missed fire, the other did no execution. Mr. 
Willard returned the fire and wounded one of them, it is 
said, mortally ; the other closed in with Mr. Willard ; but 
he would have been more than a match for him, had not 
other three come to his assistance. And it was some 
considerable time before they killed Mr. Willard. The 
Indians having killed and scalped Mr. Willard, and taken 
some of his clothes, went to Canada. Tradition says Mr. 
Willard was killed near Cheney hill. There is nothing on 
record, respecting Mr. Willard's having a wife and chil- 
dren ; but it is probable he had. — Compiler. 

Rev. Mr. Thomas Fkink, was born at Sudbury. 
Was educated at Harvard University, and took his De- 
gree in 1722. 

His father was one of three brothers that emigrated 
from England and came to America. Mr.< Frink was 
settled at Rutland, Nov. 1, 1727, and dismissed Sept. 8, 
1740. Mr. Frink was installed Pastor of the 3d church in 
Plymouth^ Nov. 7, 1743, where he continued minister but 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 99 

a short spaoe ; being dismissed from thence, he was in- 
stalled at Barre on the hist Wednesday in Oct. 1753 ; 
from whence also he was dismissed Jnly 17, 17GG. JNIr. 
Frink when he settled at Rutland had House Lot No. Gl, 
assigned to the first settled minister of Rutland and all its 
after divisions, by allowing to the heirs of Rev. Mr. Wil- 
lard 4G/., os., 6d. Mr. Frink was on Feb. 13, 1729, mar- 
ried to Miss Isabell, daughter of Samuel Wright, Esq.. of 
Rutland, by whom he had the following children. Abigail, 
born Dec. 21, 1729; John, Sept. 7, 1731; Mary, Nov. 10, 
1733; Samuel, Nov. 11, 1735; Thomas, June 17, 1738; 
Elizabeth, June IG, 1740; William, Dec. 14, 1742; Pe- 
ter, Jan. 2, 1746; Calvin, Jan. 21, 1749; Justin, Nov. 
IG, 1751. 

Rev. ]Mr. Frink was a gentleman of learning and know- 
ledge. He preached the Election sermon at Boston, 1758. 
from Isaiah xxxii. 1, 2. Although of keen sensibility, yet 
he was sociable and communicative even to children. 

Samuel Frink had a collegiate education ; studied Di- 
vinity, — preached the truth, — and practised what he 
preached. He was Rector of Savannah in Georgia, — at 
the time Rev. Mr. Whitfield was in America. 

John Frink studied physic, and practised in Rutland. 

R,EV. Joseph Buckminster was born at Framingham, 
received his education at Harvard University, — graduated 
in 1739, and was settled at Rutland, Sept. 15, 1742. Died 
Nov. 3, 1792. 

Mr. Buckminster, when on a visit to his father's with a 
young son, there were four generations of the same name. 
He married Miss Lucy Williams, daughter of the Rev. 
William Willialns of Weston, son of Rev. William Wil- 
liams of Hatfield. Her mother was dauo;hter of Rev. 



100 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Solomon and Mrs. Hannah Stoddard, D. D., ^ninister of 
Northampton. Their children were Joseph, born Sept. 5, 
1744 ; Sarah, June lo, 1747 ; Lncinda, Sept. 28, 1749 ; Se- 
cond Joseph, Oct. 3, 1751 ; Solomon, P"eb. 19, 17ol ; Han- 
nah, April 13,1756; Elizabeth, April 4, 1758; William 
Stoddard, June 6, 1761 ; Isabell, Oct. 25, 1764. Mr. Buck- 
minster bought and lived on the South side of the road 
1 00 rods West of the meetino;-house. He had a dio-uitied 
and ministerial appearance, wore a gray or white wig, 
cocked hat and white bands. Was a man of talents and 
learning; — orthodox in sentiment and preaching, and set 
his face as a flint against immorality of any kind. He 
was useful in councils ; some of his sermons and disser- 
tations were published. " He was the able and faithful 
minister of Rutland until his death." — Whitney. 

Anecdote. — Mr. Buckminster beinsf in an ar<xument 
with one of his Parishioners, (who was a plain independ- 
ent man) on some controversial point in Religion, Mr. 
Buckminster thinking his Parishioner did not in his man- 
ner and language, pay that deference and respect that he 
ought to one in his standing, observed " he thought he 
did not consider who he was talking with." The Par- 
ishioner says, " yes I do, it is to a poor worm of the dust 
like myself." Mr. Buckmhister softened, " ah ! ah ! it 
is true, I know it, I know it." 

Rev. Joseph Buckminster, son of the before men- 
tioned, was born Oct. 3, 1751. Received a collegiate 
education at Yale College, and settled at Portsmouth, N. 
H. He married for his first wife. Miss Sally Stevens of 
Kittery, by whom he had several children, one of which 
was the late celebrated Rev. Joseph S. JBuckminster of 
Brattle Street, Boston. Mr. Buckminster preached his first 
Sermon in his native town, in the jjresence of his father 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 101 

from these words, "And David after servins his own wn- 
eration, by the will of God fell asleep." Mr. Buckmin- 
ster after he settled at Portsmouth, made it a j^ractice to 
visit his father's family, and preach in his native town once 
a year. He was so pleasing and interesting a speaker and 
sermonizer, the meeting-house on those days, from Rut- 
land and other towns, was filled to overflowing. 

Rky. IIkzkkiah Goodrich, was born in Weathersfield' 
Connecticut, and received his education at Yale College. 

In August 1703, Mr. Goodrich was married to Miss 
Mary Richards, daughter of the late Mr. Belcher Richards 
and his wife Abigail of Princeton, by whom he had born, 
Charles Felcher, in 1795 ; Butler, 1803 ; Eli Richards, 
1806. 

Mr. Goodrich's right hand was defective. He wrote 
very legibly with his left. Mr. Goodrich bought and 
built on House Lot No. 62, which was originally laid out 
as the Ministry Lot, being the same that the Rev. Mr. 
Clark now lives on. Mr. Goodrich died Feb. 7, 1812, 
aged 42 years. 

Rev. Luke Baldwin Fostkr, son of Rev. Daniel 
Foster of New Braintree, was educated at Burlington 
College, Vermont. Settle! at Rutland, Feb. 24, 1813. 
Bought the farm formerly owned by Rev. ]\Ir. Buckmin- 
ster. In 1813, Mr. Foster married Miss P^unice Knight 
of Western, by whom he had two children. Fanny Fide- 
lia, born, in 1814 ; Samuel Knight, in 1815. After the 
death of Mr. Foster, Mrs. Foster returned to her friends. 
She did not survive her husband many years. Mr. Foster 
died May 23, 1817, aged 2S years. 

Dea. Joseph Stevens. — Mr. Stevens and Prudence 
his wife were from Sudbury. He was proprietor of House 
Lots No. 15, and No. 5Q> ; part of his division land was 



102 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

located on Stevens's hill, and two hundred acres on and 
adjoining Turkey hill. He settled on House Lot No. 
15 ; as he was one of the first settlers, he was exposed 
to the dangers and privations incident to those that com- 
mence a settlement in a wilderness. Deacon Stevens and 
his wife were respectable people ; — he was chosen into 
many offices in the proprietory, town, church and mili- 
tia. He was one of the first selectmen, assessors, trea- 
surer, &c., which offices he filled several years — clerk 
of the proprietors and one of the committee to set off 
their lands — a deacon in the church — a captain in the 
militia, &c. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stevens had born unto them before and af- 
ter their settlement in Rutland the following children, viz. 
Phinehas, Alindwell, Samuel, Joseph, Isaac, Dorothy, sec- 
ond Joseph, Lucy and Mary ; — Mary was the first child 
baptized in Rutland, which was on Nov. 5, 1727. 

There being no roads, Dea. Stevens put up a hovel at 
the meadow bordering on Stevens's brook, five miles from 
his dwelling, where he went daily on rackets to ieed his 
cattle. Others sustained the same inconvenience. 

Dea. Stevens was not only a man of usefulness and 
prosperity, — but a man of sorrow and affliction. On 
August 14th, 1723, after a family devotion, and a friendly 
breakfast, he with four young sons went to the meeting- 
house meadow to collect fodder for the coming winter ; — 
whilst making hay, they were surprised by five Indians ; 
the father escaped in the bushes; two of his sons, Sam- 
uel and Joseph were then and there slain ; the other two 
(Phinehas the eldest, and Isaac the youngest,) were made 
prisoners. 

My young friends, when in safety, picture in mind, paint 
in imagination, (for pen cannot depict,) the anguish and 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 103 

distress of the father, mother, brothers and sisters, for they 
were in sight and hearing of the horrid tragedy. At niglit, 
the seats and beds of four beloved sons and brothers are 
vacant and empty. Two arc slain and scalped — and two 
in the woods with the cruel Indians, and exposed to a long 
and distressing captivity. At the funeral obsequies of the 
dead, no minister of God is there to administer comfort 
and consolation, for he is also slain. 

The two prisoners were carried to Canada, where they 
were held in captivity for upwards of a year, and were 
not redeemed without great expense, and two journeys of 
Deacon Stevens to Canada, — which with other misfor- 
tunes, Dea. Stevens and his wife were in their old aee, 
so straightened in circumstances, as to be under the un- 
pleasant necessity of having assistance from the town they 
had done so much to build up. 

Dea. Stevens died Nov. 15, 1769. Widow Stevens died 
about 1776. 

A Brikf Sketch of Dea. Stevens's Family. — 
Mindwell was, on Oct. 20th, 1732, married to Samuel 
Stone. Phinehas was, on Jan. 18th, 1734, married to 
Elizabeth Stevens ; they had born unto them Samuel and 
Willard, twins, July 4, 1735; Simon, Enos, Mary, Phine- 
has and Katharine. 

Mr. Stevens when carried captive, would, when his lit- 
tle brother was tired and could not travel, take him on his 
back until rested. 

Mr. Stevens lived at Rutland several years. While 
there he was an active and useful townsman. He with his 
family removed to No. 4, now Charlestown in New Hamp- 
shire State, was a famous warrior, a captain, and a princi- 
pal man in building up and defending the then young plan- 
tation. 



104 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Isaac Stevens being so young when taken captive, he 
soon acquired Indian habits, — was taught their warfare, 
and by fighting little Indian boys with lances, &c., his 
body was punctured and scarified. His squaw mother 
made so much of him, she won his affections, and he 
would willingly have tarried with the Indians. 

Mr. Stevens settled at Rutland, and on April 11, 1743, 
married Mercy, daughter of Capt. John Hubbard, by whom 
he had two children, John and Azubah. Mercy, wife o f 
Isaac Stevens died August 27, 1746. 

Mr. Stevens married Abigail Parling, Sept. 7, 1748, 
by whom he had Luther, Jonas, Calvin, and Mai'y. Mr. 
Stevens died. Widow Stevens, on May 12, 1758, was 
married to Silas Rice. Lucy their daughter was born 
in Jan. 1759, who in 1778 married David Smith. 

Dorothy Stevens, on March 7, 1744-45, was married to 
Andrew Lenard ; they had John, Amos, Levina, Hannah, 
and Phinehas. Mrs. Lenard died. Mr. Lenard married 
Hannah Pierce, &c., and moved and settled in Oakham. 

Lucy Stevens, on Dec. 14, 1753, married Isaac Bullard 
of Rutland District. 

Joseph Stevens, on Jan. 20, 1747, married Dinah Rice. 
We have no record of his settlement or death. 

Mary Stevens died Nov. 29, 1739. 

Azubah Stevens, daughter of Isaac and Mercy Stevens, 
married Capt. Samuel Thompson of Holden, by whom she 
had several children, one of which by the name of Isaac 
Stevens, married Kate Wheeler, daughter of Mr. Isaac 
Wheeler. 

Luther Stevens, son of Isaac and Abigail Stevens, on 
Feb. 16, 1783, was married to Lucy Stearns, daughter of 
Capt. Elijah Stearns. Mr. Stearns lived and died at 
Rutland. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 105 

Although the descendants of Deacon Stevens are num- 
erous, yet not one by the name of Stevens now lives in 
Rutland. But several of his descendants are inhabitants 
thereof, and some of them of the sixth generation. 

Deacon Stevens and his wife outlived the most of their 
children. 

Phinehas Stevens was a witness to a part of the tragedy 
in the death of Rev. Mr. Willard. 

Capt. Samukl Wright. Samuel Wright, Esq. was 
one of the committee and clerk of the Proprietors of the 
twelve miles square. 

He, with his wife, with their children, removed from 
the West Parish in Sudbury to Rutland. They were of 
the first and principal settlers of the town ; was Proprie- 
tor of House Lot No. 1, and its after divisions. 

Capt. Wright was one of the first Deacons of the 
Church, Justice of the Peace, Captain of the Militi;i r.nd 
for several years Selectman, Assessor, Clerk of the Town. 
Moderator of their meetings, on Committees, &c.; — was 
a Surveyor and Committee in dividing the lands of the six 
miles square, and recording the same in the Proprietors' 
Book, which he did in a very fair and legible hand. Many 
of the bounds and corners made upwards of one hundred 
years ago, are now easy to be traced. Esquire Wright 
kept a public house in front of the first meeting-house, 
where much of the first business of the town was trans- 
acted. The old tavern house was taken down, or remov- 
ed before the Revolution. The low part was removed, 
and is now occupied by Joseph Buss as a workshop. It 
is a sample of the first houses built in the town by its prin- 
cipal settlers. 

It cannot be positively asserted at this time, the number 
of Esquire Wright's children. It is probable Cyprian 

9 



106 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

and James Wright were his children. Tliere Is a record 
of the marriage of four of his daughters, as follows, viz : 
Aaron Rice to Hannah Wright, August, 1726 ; Eev. 
Thomas Frink to Isabell Wright, P'eb., 1729 ; Robert 
Phelps to Dorothy Wright, Oct., 1729 ; Rev. Samuel 
Willard to Abigail Wright, Oct., 1730. 

Mrs. Mary Wright died May 18, 1739. 

Samuel Wright, Esq., died Jan. 15, 1739-40. 

Cyprian Wright was proi)rietor of House Lot No. 2. 

Mr. Wright and his wife Hannah had several children. 
He was drowned in Muschopange Pond June 29, 1739. 
James Wright lived at the tavern farm South of tlie meet- 
inof-house. He and his wife Patience had several children. 
Bat for many years past there has not been any by the 
name of Wright in this town, and but few of their descend- 
ants of any name, except the family of Frinks. 

The children of David D. Browning, by his wife, are of 
the sixth generation from Samuel and Mary Wright. 

Quarter Master Aaron Rice, as stated above, was 
married to Hannah Wright, by whom he had two sons and 
four daughters by the following names : Bulah, Mary, 
Anna, Susanna, Adonijah and Isaac. 

Mrs. Rice died April 23, 1741. 

Mr. Rice married for his second wife. Widow Elizabeth 
Bullard, by whom he had Elizabeth. Aaron, and Tamer. 

Mr. Rice died. On Nov. 18, 1760, Widow Rice was 
married to Caleb Benjamin of Hardwick. 

Mr. Rice was an active, business man. He bought of 
Deacon Stevens, House Lot No. 5Q. Was owner of two 
hundred and forty-five acres on and adjoining the Pine 
Plains, where in a freak, he put up a small house by a 
brook on Nichewaug road, and opened a small tavern ; it 
was called " Uncle Aaron's Folly." Capt. Edward and 
Q. M. Aaron Rice were brothers. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 107 

Capt. Phinclias Moore, June, 17.>3, married Anna Rice. 

George Claris, Sept. l7Go, married Elizabeth Rice. 

Capt. John IIlbbakd. Mr. Hubbard being an enter- 
[H-ising man, about 1728, moved from Worcester to Rut- 
land, and erected a grist mill on Mill Brook, near Da- 
kins's bridge. To better accommodate and suppl}^ the mill 
with water, bj vote of the town, and consent of the Gen- 
eral Court, he exchanged some lands he owned below 
the mill for some ministry meadows above. 

Mr. Hubbard Avas an active and useful man in the 
church, town and militia; — was chosen into many offices. 
He buried his first wife, by whom he had several daughters, 
and married Azubah Moore of Sudbury, by whom he had 
two sons and several daughters Although Capt. Hub- 
bard had the severe trial of burying seven children in a 
short tim«% and two of them his only sons, — yet his de- 
scendents are numerous. He had seven daughters that 
married, one of whom is now living. His memory is not 
extinct. There are two of his great-grand sons that per- 
petuate his name and memory, — Rev. John Hubbard 
Church, D. D., of Pelham, N. H., and John Hubbard 
Stratton of Holden, Mass. Mr. Hubbard sold his land in 
Rutland to Messrs. Childs, and spent his last days in FIol- 
den with Charles Hey wood who had married his daughter 
Abigail. Mr. Heywood and his wife had several children. 

LiKUT. Paul Moore. Mr. Moore was from Sud- 
bury, — a carpenter by trade. He bought land on the 
Marlborough road, about one mile East of the meeting- 
house, originall}'^ laid out to David Taylor and others. Mr. 
Moore filled many offices in the proprietory and town, as 
town clerk, selectman, treasurer, &c. On May 3, 1733,' 
Mr. Moore was married to Hannah, daughter of Capt. 
John Hubbard. Although not of the age of sixteen, she 



108 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

made him a good industrious wife, a good cook, an 
excellent dairyist, and a noted maker of deerskin clothes. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moore had the following children, — they 
lived so happily, the first was Love, Hoaz, Mercy, Persis, 
Humphrey, John Hubbard, Elsther and Tille. 

Marriages. — Love, to David Rice ; Boaz, to Hannah 
Atherton ; Persis, to Elisha Mirick ; Humphrey, to Miss 
Sweetser ; Esther to Stephen Church ; John was pub- 
lished to Mary Miles, but before marriage, died of a fever- 
sore at Tewksbury. 

Mercy and Tille died in the sickness of 1756. 

Rev. John Plubbard Church was grandson of Lieut. 
Paul and Mrs. Hannah Moore. 

Mr. Daniel Bartlett. xAIr. Bartlett was son of Hen- 
ry Bartlett, who emigrated from Wales and settled in 
Marlborough, in the latter part of the seventeenth or the 
beginning of the eighteenth century. He was the com- 
mon ancestor of all of that name in Marlborough. Daniel 
settled at Rutland on a farm he bought of Israel Davis. 
He was a neat and good farmer ; kept and fatted good 
and large cattle, and delighted in riding a spirited horse. 
About eighty years since he married Mary Barker of Con- 
cord. Although not wealthy, she made a rich wife by her 
economy and industry, and did her part in acquiring prop- 
erty. She lived to old age. For a few of her last years 
she was almost blind, yet she enjoyed herself in the trea- 
ures gained from the Holy Scriptures when she had sight. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett had four sons and four daughters. 
Their descendants are many ; some of the fifth generation 
now live in Rutland. 

Mr. Joseph Bartlett was brother of Daniel ; he bought 
on Wood Hill. He married Lydia Cooledge of West- 
borough, bv whom he had several children, some of whom 



HI&TOUY OF RUTLAND. 109 

rlie-l in iiifiMicy. Mi\ Biirtlett before the Revolution sold 
his farm on Wood Hill to Ebenezer Frost, and boindit of 
Matthew Shin-ow, where his son Adonijah now lives. Ado- 
nijah Bartlett, on Nov. 20, 1784, was married to Ruth Frost. 
8he died. He married Ruth Putnam. 

Josiah Bartlett was, on Nov. 15, 1785, married to Sally 
Bartlett, 

Joel Hubbard was, on Dec. 8, 1791, married to Lucy 
Bartlett. 

Mr. p:pHKAr>i Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard and his wife 
Ruth were from Concord; he settled on Grass Hill, which 
had been owned by Robert Patrick, originally granted to 
George Robbins, as Proprietor of House Lot No. 57. 

Mr. Hubbard had born by his first wife, Lois, Ruth and 
Ephraim. Mrs, Ruth Hubbard died Dec. 19, 1742. Mr. 
Hubbard married Miss Sarah Billings of Concord, by whom 
he had Amos, Oliver, Jonathan, James, Mary, and Joel. 
Mr. Hubbard's descendants are numerous. Some of the 
fourth generation now live in Rutland. 

Mr. Ebenezer P'rost. Mr. Frost was born at Cam- 
bridge; he married Ruth Wright of Woburn. Bought a 
farm of Joseph Bartlett on Wood Hill, where before the 
Revolution he removed with his wife, by whom he had 
several children. Mr. Frost had a good farm, — -built a 
large house ; his children married and settled in different 
places. Mr. Frost died many years ago ; — the buildings 
were taken down. His descendants are many. His son 
Dana, with his wife, and their son Freeman and wife, owq 
a farm contiguous, and part of the original one, on which 
they now live. 

Mr. Nathan Davis. Mr. Davis, from Concoi-d, was 
an early settler of Rutland; he lived a few years on a 
farm that was afterwards owned by his brother Ephraim, 
9* 



110 HISTORY OF RUTLAND, 

which he sold, and bought the mill farm, where he lived 
until his death. 

Mr. Davis, on Nov. 27, 1737, was married to Ellen 
Hubbard, daughter of Capt. Hubbard, by whom he had 
the following children : Nathan, Isaac, Azubah, Ellen, 
Abel, Jonathan, Jonas, second Jonas, Thomas, second 
Isaac, Thaddeus, Alpheus, and William. His descendants 
are numerous. 

Mr. Israel Davis, son of Lieut. Simon Davis on Dec. 
11, 1739, was married to Mary, daughter of Capt. Hubbard, 
by whom he had born, Mary, Israel, Hannah, Paul, second 
Paul, and Esther. Mr. Davis bought and lived on a farm 
for several years bounded on Holden, which he sold to Dan- 
iel Bartlett; — bought and removed on to a hill one mile 
West of Holden meeting-house, where he and his son Paul 
for many years kept a tavern, noted for its regularity and 
kind attention to the weary traveller. 

Capt. Benjamin Miles married Mary, daughter of 
Mr. Ebenezer Hubbard of Concord, with whom he remov- 
ed to Rutland, and settled on Joyner's Plill, on land he 
bought of Mr. Hubbard. Mr. Miles and his wife were 
respectable people. He was an active and useful man ; — 
was chosen into many offices in the town and militia ; 
their children were Mary, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Ebenezer, 
Sarah, Barzillai, John, and second John. Their descend- 
ants are many, and have emigaated to Canada and Ohio, 
&c., and several are inhabitants of Rutland. 

Dea. Ephraim Moore and his wife Dorothy were re- 
spectable people ; lived on the road leading from Rut- 
land to Paxton, in that part of the town that is now Pax- 
ton. Mr. Moore held several offices while he belonged to 
Rutland, as treasurer, &c. He and his wife had two chil- 
dren, Dorothy, born Sept., 1741, and Willard, April, 1743, 



HISTOHY OF RUTLAND. Ill 

who, on Marcli 18, 1762, was married to Elizabeth Hub- 
bard. ]\tr. Moore was chosen Major of the minute men, — • 
was one of the shiin at Bunker Hill. 

Mr. Pkter Moore and his wife INfary were respecta- 
ble people, and of the first settlers of Rutland ; they lived 
by the road leading from Rutland to the Province Farm, 
and were heirs to part of it. Mr. Moore was chosen seal- 
er of leather at the first town meeting held in Rutland, in 
1722. He and his wife had several children, three of whom 
died in o:ie Week, in the sickness of 174!). 

Capt. Phineiias Moore, son of the above, was born 
March, 1729, and June 14, 1753, was married to Anna 
Rice, daughter of Mr. Aaron Rice, and grandchild of Es- 
quire Wright. The wife of David D. Browning now liv- 
ing in Rutland, is grandchild of Capt. Moore. Her chil- 
dren make the sixth generation that have breathed the air 
of Rutland. Mr. Browning is a descendant of James and 
Elizabeth Browning. 

Mr. Daniel Sanders bought of Dea. John Fletcher a 
farm North Flast of Muschopauge Pond. Mr. Sanders and 
his wife Mehitable were from Medfield. They had one 
son born June 7, 1746, whom they named Lemuel. Mrs. 
Sanders died June 27, 1746. Mr. Sandttrs married Sa- 
rah Bartlett of Marlborough, by whom he had one son and 
four daughters ; three of whom died in the sickness oi 
1756. Daniel was born Oct. 19, 1751, and in 1801 was 
married to Pamelia Bartlett, by whom he had three chil- 
dren. Mr. Sanders, sen., had a good farm, was industri- 
ous, a noted weaver of coverlets, and from small beginnings 
accumulated large property, and was at his death the richest 
man that ever died in Rutland. 

Capt. Edward Rice and his wife Rachel were from 
Sudbury, and were of the first and most respectable set- 



112 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

tiers. He was proprietor of House Lots Xos. 34 and 60, 
with their after divisions ; he sold No. o4 to Benjamin 
Dudley, and settled on No. 60, which was located on Mus- 
chopauge Hill, on which he built and lived many years ; 
said farm contained one hundred and forty-five acres, in- 
cluding the House Lot, and after divisions laid adjoining. 
Mr. Rice sold this farm to David Rice, and bought on a 
hill south of Pomagussett meadow-land- laid out to Jacob 
Farrar, wiiere he removed, and lived until his death. Mr. 
Rice in 1724, entered into his country's service; after 
his return he sustained offices in the town and militia, &c., 
and was a useful member thereof, and in the church ;-— he 
and his wife had six sons and two daughters. 

Mr. Rice died in the sickness of 1756, Sept. 27th, in the 
67th year of his age ; his daughter Martha, Sept. 19; his 
grandson Joel, Sept. 12th, and his granddaughter Persis 
Sept. 6th. Mrs. Rachel Rice died of the small pox, Jan. 
1st, 1760. 

John, son of the above, lived on the farm with his father, 
and built by the spring near the road to Muschopauge 
pond ; where he and his wife Sarah, had their four first 
children born. They moved and spent the remainder of 
their days on the farm purchased by his father. 

Mr. Rice was an active and useful member of society. 

John Rice, jun., settled with his father, and on Feb. 6, 
1774, married Lydia Smith, by whom he had ten children ; 
two sons and eight daughters. 

John Rice 3d, on Nov. 17, 1811, was married to Alice 
Ames, (daughter of John Ames,) by whom he has a son 
John, and now lives on the farm of his ancestors. 

Susanna, daughter of Capt. Edward Rice, was married 
to Peter Fletcher, April 12, 1754. Edward Rice, jun., 
married Mary Stone, daughter of Nathan Stone, May 10, 



H: STORY OF RLTLANr. 113 

17r>8. Silas Rice niari-ied Widow Abigail Stevens, ^lay 
12, 1758. P^leazer Rice nuinied Widow Lydia How, 
Oct. 3, 1761. Sarah, dauglUer of John Rice, sen., mar- 
ried Asa Brown. Asa married Polly Stearns, daughter of 
Benjamin Stearns. Martha married David How, Feb. 20, 
1780. 

Mr. Elipiialet How, was of the noted and ancient 
family of How in Sudbury and Murl borough ; — was an 
early and respectable settler. He bought and lived on 
Walnut Hill. Mr. How and his wife Hephzibah had four 
sons and six daughters, wdiom they named Hessadiah, 
born 1733, Peabody, 1735, Mary, 1738, Eliphalet, 1740, 
Hephzibah, 1742, Salla, 1744, Jonathan, 1740, David, 
1748, Phebe, 1749, Thankful, 1752. 

Marriages. Hessadiah to Stephen Heald, IMary to 
Peter Davis, Jonathan to Lucy Reed, David to IMartha 
Rice, Thankful to Silas Houghton. Their descendants 
are respectable and numerous ; several of whom now live 
in Rutland. 

Mil. Israel and Mrs. Elizabeth How. Israel was 
brother to Eliphalet, bought and lived on the south side of 
the same liill (now Paxton) where he and his wife had the 
following children : Israel, born August 24, 1742, died 
June 13, 1745, Lucy, Elizal)eth, Ruth, and Rebekah. 
Mr. How died June 23, 1748. 

Stephen Barret, on May 15, 1750, married Widow How, 
by whom he had Lydia, Stephen, Israel and Benjamin ; 
Mr. Barret, bought and lived on the farm that was Mr. 
How's. 

Lucy How married to Elijah Demond of Rutland. Mr. 
How leaving no son, jNIrs. Demond's first son was named 
Israel How, to perpetuate the name of his grandfather. 

Capt. Demond was an industrious and worthy citizen ; 



114 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

he and his wife are both dead ; but their descendants are 
many, — some of whom are inhabitants of Rutland. 

Lydia Barret was married to Israel Stone, July 12, 
1768, who with her husband and children emigrated to 
Ohio. 

Capt. Peter Davis, although not a proprietor, was an 
early settler of Rutland, and one of its most enterprising 
inhabitants; he was a large landholder, — his lands ex- 
tended from Mill Brook to Hubbardston, and on its line five 
hundred and seventy-five rods. In 175D, his taxes were 
the highest on the list, except Col. Murray's: — He was 
not only a large . landholder, but of a mechanical gen- 
ius and business. Previous to 1759, he built a grist and 
saw mill in the North part of the town on Ware river, 
which was a great convenience, not only 'to the inhabit- 
ants of Rutland, but to the adjacent towns ; in a dry 
season some went from Leicester, &c., to his mill ; — he 
was an early riser, and was in his mill before the daylight 
shone from the East. 

Mr. Davis was not only active and industrious in his own 
concerns, but filled several offices in the proprietory, town 
and militia. Capt. Davis was from Concord, he married 
Rebekah llopcrisson of Rowley, who was the mother of 
his children by the following names: Peter, born Nov. 14, 
1732; Elizabeth, Feb. 11, 1734; Phinehas, July 19, 
1737; Rebekah, Dec. 30, 1740; Asa, Oct. 17, 1743; 
Ruth, May 27, 1746; Sarah, March 9, 1751. ,Mrs. Da- 
vis died. 

Capt. Davis, on Dec. 15, 1774, married Widow Hannah 
Smith. 

Marriage of his Children. — Elizabeth to John Frink, 
June 5, 1754; Peter to Mary How, May 11, 1758; Re- 
bekah to Jotham Bellows, June 8, 1758 ; Ruth to Breed 



niSTOaY OF RUTLAND. 1]5 

Batchelor, March 11, 1766; Asa to Mary Smith, Aug. 27^ 
1760; Sarah to John Ames, Nov. 1769. All are num- 
bered with the dead, except Mrs. Batchelor, who lives at 
Keene. Their descendants are numerous, several of 
whom live in Rutland ; some of them are of the fifth gen- 
eration. 

Mr. Eleazek and Mrs. Azubah IIeywood were (sup- 
posed) from Concord. He was proprietor of House Lot 
No. 59, and its after divisions. By our records he was a 
worthy and useful man both in church and town. He and 
his wife while at Rutland, had born William, July 28, 
1728; Azubah, Nov. 25, 1730; Samuel, Feb. 16, 1732-3. 

Capt. Zaccheus Gates. Mr. Gates of Leicester, was 
in Feb. 1757, married to Sarah, daughter of Mr. John 
Andrews of Rutland. Mrs. Gates being an only child, 
Mr. Gates came and lived with her father, and became 
owner of the farm, being the same that was formerly owned 
by Eleazer Hey wood — now by Elisha Sumner. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gates had the following children, — Hannah, born 
April 3, 1759; Jacob, April 12, 1761; John, May 30, 
1763; Jeremiah, March 27, 1765; Sarah, Jan. 9, 1767; 
Andrews, 1768; 2nd Sarah, 1770; Zaccheus, 1772; Dan- 
iel, 1775. Capt. Gates held offices in the town and mil- 
itia, yet his delight was in husbandry ; he was an excel- 
lent farmer, some of the walls he built, now stand firm, 
and will for many years. His children went into different 
parts of America. His descendants are not numerous iu 
Massachusetts. 

Doctor Hezekiait Fletcher, and Hannah, his wife, 
had the following children born at Rutland : Dorothy, 
born May 10, 1745 ; Thomas, April 6, 1748. Doctor 
Fletcher lived 56 rods east of the meeting-house, as also 



116 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



his son Alpheus, who succeeded hira in his profession. 
Doctor Ilezekiah Fletcher died Jan. 21, 1754. 

John Stone, jiin., married Lucy Fletcher, Sept. 9, 1755. 
Samuel vStone, jun., married Dorothy Fletcher, Aug. 12, 
1701, (second wife.) Alpheus Fletclier married Jane 
Drooks of Concord, Aug. 23, 17G1. Thomas Staples of 
Mendon, married Susanna Fletcher in 1775. Dr. Alj)heus 
Fletcher and his wife had three daughters, Elizabeth, born 
Oct. 27, 17G2, — died Dec. 6, 17G2 ; 2nd Elizabeth, born 
Nov. 27, 17Go ; vSarah, born Jnly 26, 17G5, married and 
lived in the city of Washing.'on. Dr. Alpheus Fletcher 
died June 12, 176G. 

The father and son were Town and Proprietors' Clerks, 
and wrote a very legible and fair hand. 

Dea. John Fletcher was on Feb. 21, 1739, married to 
Jane, daughter of Samuel Stratton, sen., he owned a farm 
N. E., of Muschopauge pond, which he sold to Daniel San- 
ders ; bought and removed to Leicester, where for many- 
years he was a Deacon of the Church. Not having chil- 
dren, he sold his farm at Leicester, and with his wife spent 
and enjoyed his last days with their friends Capt. Samuel 
S. Watson and his wife. 

^Ir. Samuel Stratton and Sarah his wife, from Con- 
cord, were early and respectable settlers of Rutland, they 
bought and lived on the south part of Lot No. 37, granted 
to John Buttolph, a little west of No. 5 School House ; 
their descendants are numerous, and many of them verj'' 
respectable. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton lived to old age. Mrs. 
Stratton died with her daughter Watson, aged 99 years 
10 months and 15 days. 

Mr. Samukl Stratton, Jun., lived with his father, — 
married Mary Eaton of Worcester, by whom he had many 



HISTORY OP RUTLAND. 117 

cliildren, their dcscuiidaiits are numerous, several of whom 
now live in Ruthmd and the adjacent towns. Mr. Strattou 
died July 18, 18U1), aged 88 years. 

Mk. Ali'UKus Stuatton, son of Samuel Stratton, Jr., 
was born May ^iO, 17G9; and in 1789 was married to Lu- 
cy Keyes of Princeton, by whom he had many children, 
some of whom live in Rutland. Dea. Sanmel Stratton of 
Princeton, was a son of Samuel Stratton, Jr., — his wife was 
Martha, daughter of Mr. Ephraim Davis, sou of Dea. 
Ephraim Davis. 

Mr. John Watson was from Leicester, he married 
Thankful Watson of Brookfield. He bought the tan- 
ner}^ land and buihlings, set up and owned by Simeou 
Stone. Mr. Watson was a respectable and useful member 
of society, — carried on the tanning and currying business 
many years ; but being lame, his eldest son succeeded him 
in the tannery, &c. Mr. Watson was married to his first 
wife in 1761, by whom he had Samuel Smith, born March 
5, 1763; John, Feb. 14, 1765; Sally, July 24, 1766. Mr. 
Watson, being deprived of his wife by death, on April 1, 
1773, was married to Sarah Stratton, daughter of Samuel 
Stratton, sen., by whom he had Thankful, born Nov. 24, 
1774; Jane, Feb. 19, 1778. Thankful was, on May 7, 
1799, married to Rev. John Hubbard Church of Felham, 
N. H. Mr. Watson and his wnfe in their old age removed 
to Felham, and spent their last days with their daughter. 

Dea. Ephraim Davis from Concord ; his wife was Re 
bekah Danforth, by whom he had Rebekah, born Nov. 23, 
1743; Aaron, Feb. 4, 1747; second Aaron, Aug. 10 
1750; Silas, June 23, 1752 ; second Silas, Sept. 16,1755; 
Mary, Aug. 31, 1756; Elizabeth, Sept. 14, 1758. Sever- 
al of the above died in infancy, or youth. 

Hannah and Ephraim, it is probable were born before 
10 



118 HISTORY OF RUTLAND» 

their parents removed to Rutland. Hannah married Jo- 
seph Hall ; Ephraira Davis, Jr., was married to Martha 
How, Oct. 7, 1762. 

Joseph Bellows was man-ied to Rebekah Davis, July 11, 
1765. Samuel Davis, born IMarcli 5, 174G, married fo 
Rebekah Williams, Jan. 4, 1770; Mary Davis to Elijah 
Newton, May 14, 1780. Dea. Davis' farm was made of 
lands originally granted to Simon Davis and Moses How, 
and was for a short time owned by Nathan Davis ; being 
the same that Silas Davis now owns. Dea. Davis died 
suddenly. Dee. 10, 1778. 

Mk. Daniel Davis and Lydia, his wife, were early set- 
tlers of Rutland ; they were admiUed into tlie church, May 
23, 1731. Mr. Davis was an active and useful townsman ; 
his farm was on the road that leads from RutlUnd to the 
Province Farm, where for many years a tavern was kept. 
The births and marriages of their children were as follows : 
Lydia, born June 20, 1728, married to Francis How, Jan. 
22, 1745 ; Daniel, born Aug. 27, 1730, married to Sarah 
Phelps, May 3, 1753; Hannah, born April 29, 1735, mar- 
ried to Clark Gibbs, Oct. 12, 1752; Jesse, born May 24, 
1740, married to Hannah Estabrook, June 5, 1760; Lucy, 
born March 31, 1746, married to Samuel Hubbard of Hol- 
den. Daniel Davis died Oct. 9, 1764. Lydia, wife of 
Daniel Davis, died Sept. 15, 1764. Sarah, wife of Daniel 
Davis, Jr., died Nov. 29, 1764. Mr. Davis and his wife 
had two children that died young. 

Daniel Davis, Jr., lived on the farm that was his father's. 
He and his wife Sarah had the following children : Sarah, 
born Nov. 19, 1753, married Jonas Walker, Feb. 15, 
1779; Eunice, born Jan. 26, 1756, married Elijah Ham- 
mond, Dec. 7, 1794; John Phelps, born Nov. 29, 1760, 
married Polly Brooks of Princeton, 1783. Daniel Davis, 



inSTORY OF RUTLAND. . 119 

Jr., married for his second wife, widow Amittai Gary, Sept. 
11, 1765, by whom he had Pamelia, who marrie<i Daniel 
Roper, and Mary, who married Daniel Gates. Jesse Da- 
vis and his wife Hannah had Eliakim, born in 17G1, and 
Simon in 1702. Mr. Davis for many years lived a l-ittle 
south of his brother, where Lemnel Cooledge now lives. 
lie sold this farm, and bought by the mills, on the road 
to ]>arre, where he lived until his death, which hajipened 
^lareh 12, 1807, in the 67th year of his age. Eliakim 
Davis in 1781 married Dorothy Hunt, by whom he had 
several children. 

Mr. James S.aiith, with his wife Margaret, emigrated 
from Ireland, and came to America, about the time the 
settlement of Rutland commenced, — they had four sons 
and four daughters, who ail married ; Andrew and John 
settled in Holden ; James and George in Rutland — they 
all had good farms, and were good and respectable farmers 
and citizens. Their descendants are very numerous. 

James, son of James and Margaret, was born March 
29, 1722, and married to Margaret Lockard of Leicester, 
in 1750, by whom he had the following children: Mar- 
garet. Martha, James, Mary, Rebekah, Lockert, Susanna 
and Ephraim. Mr. Smith's farm was part of Jonathan 
Waldo's division, located by Har wood's brook. 

James Smith, 3d, son of James and Margaret Smith, 
born Jan. 9, 1755, was one of the minute men, was at the 
battle of Bunker Hill, and stood near where Benjamin 
Reed was killed. In 1778, Dec. 30, he was married to 
Mary Browninof, irrand-dauirhter of James and Elizabeth 
Browning, by whom he had several children, one of whom 
was named James. There has been in each of Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith's families, six generations, that have breathed 
the air of Rutland ; one of which now lives in Leicester. 



IJO ' HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Mr. Smith bought a farm of Capt. John Cunningham, 
where he spent his last days. 

Lockert, son of James Smith, Jr., on Oct. 12, 1784, 
married Sally, daughter of Mr. John Watson, and settled 
on the farm that was his father's. Mrs. Smith had four 
children and died. Mr. Smith, on Dec. 18, 1794, mar- 
ried for his second wife, Mary, daughter of Mr. Moses 
Baxter, by whom he had eleven children. 

Lieut. George Smith, in 17o2, married Jane IMacclewain 
of Leicester, Avhose parents and four of their children, were 
cast away and drowned, on their passage to America ; 
Jane and one of her sisters, (who married a Mr. Blair,) 
were washed on shore and rescued from a watery grave, 
and arrived safe in America. Mr. Smith bought and 
settled on part of the 930 acres, granted to Capt. Ben- 
jamin Willard, bounded on the East Wing and Worcester, 
(now Holden.) Mr. and Mrs. Smith had born unto them 
Isaac, Hugh, Mary, Agnes, George, Elizabeth, John and 
Andrew ; who married and settled in different towns, — 
several of their descendants now live in Rutland. The 
family of Smiths took an active part in achieving the in- 
dependence of America. They were Presbyterians by 
profession, and not ashamed to kneel at the family altar. 

Mr. Moses Baxter, although a carpenter by occupa- 
tion, bought a farm adjoining the East Wing, being second 
division of land, laid out to Samuel Sewall, Esq. He mar- 
ried Mary Moore of Sudbury, by whom he had one son, 
and three daughters, — the son died young. 

Chloe married Samuel Hubbard of Concord ; Mary, 
Lockert Smith ; Sally, John Hubbard Stratton of Holden. 
Although Mr. Baxter's only son died in infancy, yet he is 
not without posterity. 

On June 21, 1835, widow Mary Smith, second daughter 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 121 

of the late Mr. Baxter, had the pleasure and gratification 
of an interview at lier house, of her eleven children, with 
theii' children, and connections to the number of thirty. 

lAIosKS Maynard married Tabitha Moore of Sudbury, 
with whom he removed to Rutland ; he bought land adjoining 
the East Wing, originally granted to Jonathan Waldo, as 1st 
division of upland to right of House Lots Nos. 26 and 27. 
Mr. and Mrs. Maynard had three sons and six daughters, 
some of whom died in youth. One son and four daughters 
mari'ied as follows: Mary to Joel Pollard, March 8, 1770, 
settled at Ilubbardston ; Lucretia to Thomas Eames, in 1773, 
(son of Aaron Eames;) Louis to Nathan Reed, Sept. 14, 
1 783, settled at Royalston ; Moses to Rebekah Gleason of 
Ilolden, in 1786, lived in Rutland; Tabitha to Israel Strat- 
ton of Holden, Nov. 5, 171)3. 

Their descendants are many, and have settled in New 
Hampshire and Georgia, &c. Mr. Maj^nard was the larg- 
est man that ever lived in Rutland; about sixteen months 
before his death which happened in the G8th year of his age, 
Dec. 1796, he weighed 451 pounds. 

Jonathan Sticarns bought land adjoining the East 
Wing. He married Abigail Moore of Sudbury, by whom 
he had one son and two daughters. Ruth, born Sept. 3, 
1763, and on Nov. 26, 1789, was married to Jonas Davis 
of Holden; Sarah, May 18, 1768; Jonathan born May 
2, 1771, and in 1803 was married to Tabitha Newton of 
Princeton. 

Jeduthan Moore married Ruth Moore, they were both 
from Sudbury, — sometime before the Revolution they re- 
moved from Sudbury to Rutland, — he was a shoemaker by 
occupation, and settled on Pound Hill. Their son Silas was 
born at Sudbury, Sept. 4, 1766. The following named 
children were born at Rutland: Dinah, Sept. 1, 1768; 
10* 



122 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Uriah, Sept. 21, 1770; Ruth, April 28, 1773; Liicretia, 
March 6, 1776; Polly, June 14, 1778. Mr. Moore and 
family many years past, returned to Sudbury. But two 
of their daughters, with their families are now inhabitants 
of Rutland, Ruth, the wife of Thaddeus Haynes, and Pol- 
ly the wife of Gill Gibbs. Mrs. Moore is now living. Be- 
fore the death of Jonathan Haynes, the ages of three of the 
parents of Thaddeus Haynes and his wife, when added made 
280 years. 

Lieut. Luke Moore, and his wife Lucy were from 
Sudbury ; he bought and settled on land bounded on the 
East Wing, laid out to the heirs of Capt. William Blair of 
Boston, (Mr. John Phillips and William Blair Townsend.) 
Mr. and Mrs. Moore had several children, some of whom 
died in youth. Tabitha Moore was on May 15, 1783, 
married to John Briant, son of Mr. John Brian t ; Plagg 
Moore to Lucy Davis, daughter of Mr. Asa Davis, Oct. 
20, 1789. Mr. Moore was an officer in the militia, and a 
good townsman. He and his son, Flagg, several years 
past, with their families, moved into the State of New 
Hampshire. 

Mr. Moore was brother to all the women of that name, 
who came from Sudbury. 

John Brianp bought the farm that John and James 
Walker purchased of the town, being first division of up- 
land laid to School Lot No. 63, bounded on the East 
Wing and Ministry Lot. Mr. Briant, on Jan. 6, 1757, 
was married to Esther, daughter of Samuel and M indwell 
Stone, and grand-child of Dea. Stevens, by whom he had 
several children, part of whom died young. John was born 
Dec. 21, 1757, married Tabitha Moore; Mindwell, born 
Oct. 18, 1759, married to Abel Parmenter, March 13, 1785 ; 
Isaac, born Jan. 6, 1762, married Betsy How of Prince- 
,ton, in 1788. There are now several great-grand children 



HISTORY OF RUTLANP. 123 

of Mr. John and Mrs. Esither Briaiit, now living in Hut- 
land, in a direct line from Dea. Stevens, — being some of 
six generations that have lived in Rutland. 

Capt. Elijah Stearns and Lucy his wife were re- 
spectable people, he was captain of the militia, and an 
active citizen ; his farm bounded on the East Wing, pre- 
viously owned by David Parker, and originally laid out 
to Joseph Wright, to his right of House Lot No. 24 ; he 
bought of Ebenezer Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns had 
the following children: Elijah, born Oct. 14, 1760; Lucy, 
June 20, 1762; second Elijah, May 1, 1767; Mary, March 
28, 1705; Josiah, June 18, 1769; Martha, Aug. 15, 1751. 
Lucy was married to Luther Stevens, Feb. 16, 1783; 
Elijah to Jane Boice, June 25, 1795, and to Sally Har- 
rington as second wife in 1801 ; Mary to Bezaleel Hale of 
Stow, Sept. 27, 1797 ; Martha to Joseph Wood, April 3, 
1798. 

Lieut. Joseph Parmenter, and Mary his wife, were 
early settlers of Rutland, his farm bounded on the East 
Wing, and School Lot ; the south part was the Standard 
Farm, of the division of 150 acres ; the north part was 
land laid out to Joseph Wright, to the right of Lot No. 10. 
The children of Joseph and Mary Parmenter were mar- 
ried as follows: Thomas Ball to Rebekah Parmenter, 1760; 
Jonathan Ames to Thankful Parmenter, 1762 ; Jonas Par- 
menter to Sarah Butrick, in 1765; Nathan Jones to Mercy 
Parmenter, in 1774; Abel Parmenter to Mindwell Briant, 
in 1780. 

The descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Parmenter are many ; 
several of whom are now inhabitants of Rutland. 

Lieut. Robert Forbus owned a good farm, bounded 
on Muschopauge Pond; Mr. P^orbus was, on Oct. 31, 
1745, married to Mary Graham, by whom he had the fol- 



124 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

lowiiw children ; Jane, married Panl Eajier of Princeton, 
in 1768', Mary — married Ebenezer Warner of Rutland, 
in 1778; James — married Abigail liartlett of Rutiand, 
in 1782; John — married Elizabeth Ileywood of Holder, 
in 1781 ; Katee — married Benjamin Perry of Royalston, 
in 1780; Robert was a soldier of the Revolution — died 
single ; David received a collegiate education at Dart- 
mouth College — practised law several years at Keene, 
N. H. Their descendonts are many, some of the fifth 
generation now live in Rutland. 

Mil. Duncan and Katharine Graham were early 
settlers of Rutland. Their farm was bounded on Muscho- 
pauge Pond. Duncan Graham died April 10th, 1768. 

Widow Katharine Gra-ham died March 19, 1781, aged 
91 years and 9 months. Alexander and William Graham, 
and also Robert Forbus's wife (it is probable) were cluldren 
of Duncan and Katharine Graham. They succeeded their 
father, in his inheritance. 

Ale.xander and Martha Graham had the following chil- 
dren : Hannah, born June 6, 1760; Lucy, Margaret, 
Andrew and James. Mrs. Graham died in 1770. lAfr. 
Graham married Margaret Gray, by whom he had Wil- 
liam and Dolly. Hannah married Abraham Ru<ro- ; Wil- 
liam, Sally Davis ; and Lucy, Amos Himes. Mr. Graham 
died INIarch 29, 1771. Widow Graham married Lieut. 
Robert Forbus. 

William and Mary Graham had born — Mary, Oct. 10, 
17oG; Martha, June 2, 1758 ; Sarah, June 10, 1760; Jane, 
Jan. 18, 1762; and William, Sept. 30, 1764. Mr. William 
Graham died June 20, 1764. 

Mr. John Pollard and Sarah his wife moved from 
Suncook to Rutland, and settled near Princeton, on the 
south part of land laid to Joseph Wright; Joel, John, Sa- 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 125 

rah and Jonathan were born at Snncook, — Achsah was 
born at Ruthxnd, JMay 4, 1761. Joel married Mary May- 
iiard, March 8, 1770, settled in Hubbardston ; Jonathan 
was born Marcli 10, 175D, went into the Continental ser- 
vice for Rutland. There is none of the family, or build- 
ings now in this town. 

JNIr. Edwakd Sp:lfhidge married Hannah Miles of 
Concord, lived by the East Wing a few yeai-s, then sold, 
and settled at Hubbardston. 

Mr. Selfridge was a man of spirit and activity. 

Mr. Robert Cow den lived in Rutland, in 1757. 

Mr. Samuel Cowden, many years past, with his fami- 
ly moved into Rutland and bought near Princeton, where 
his son James, and orand-son Jonas with their families now 
live. James Cowden was, on Sept. 1, 1785, married to 
Persis Goodenow. Mr. Cowden's daughters married and 
settled at Princeton, &c. 

Mr. Simon Heald was born in the year 1725. He 
never married ; yet in many things he was a useful citizen. 
He was a friend and an assistant in achieving the indepen- 
dence of the United States ; was on committees to raise 
soldiers, — a purchaser of beef for the army, &c. Mr. 
Heald was for many years a noted purchaser and drover 
of cattle for Little Cambridge market. He made it his 
home with Jonas How, P^sq., who was a son of his moth- 
er by a second marriage ; between whom there passed 
many reciprocal kindnesses. Mr. Heald died June 1, 
1800. 

Moses How, Esq., and Eunice, his wife, removed 
from Brookfield to Rutland, where, on Sept. 23, 1710, she 
became the mother of the first male child born in Rutland ; 
for which fortunate event he was entitled to 100 acres of 
land. Mr. How was proprietor of House Lot No. 50. 



126 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

He liad leave to exchange Lots, and we find that in 1735, 
he lived on House Lot No. 8, where now fio building 
stands. The Lot is owned by Dr. Frink. Mr. How 
was for many years an active and useful member of the 
young settlement, and sustained some of the first offices 
in its gift, as Selectman, Assessor, Treasurer, an officer 
in the Militia, a Justice of the Peace, &c. Mr. and Mrs. 
How had ten children, five sons and five daughters : Sam- 
uel, born Sept. 23, 1719 ; Sarah, April 1, 1722; Estes, 
Jnly 24, 1725; Eunice, Sept. 2(), 1727; Anne, Oct. 25, 
1729; Moses, May 23, 1732; Micajah, July 15, 1734; 
Elizabeth, May 25, 1736; Caroline, Sept. 4, 1738, and 
Elijah, April 10, 1741. In the fall of the year 1741, the 
family of Mr. How was visited with a distressing sickness, 
that within three months bereaved him of his wife and three 
daughters. ' Esquire How mai'ried for his second wife, 
widow Hannah Heald, by whom he had one son, born 
Nov. 6- 1743, who was named Jonas ; who was the ances- 
tor of the family by that name now living in the Easterly 
part of Rutland. Mr. Jonas How, in 1769, married Miss 
Hephzibah Hapgbod, of IMarlborough, by whom he had 
several children. He was a valuable citizen, and filled 
many offices ; was a Justice of the Peace, Deacon of the 
Church, Selectman, Assessor, Treasurer, Representative 
in Convention and General Court, and a firm advocate for 
the rights and privileges of the United States. Mrs. 
How died March 28, 1789. 

Samuel How, Esq., son of Moses How, Esq., married 
Hannah Smith, of Hardwick, May 29, 1739, by whom 
he had, at Rutland, Benjamin, Silvanus, Elizabeth, Estes, 
Sarah, Moses and Hannah. Mr. How was an active and 
useful citizen, while at Rutland, — went into the war in 
1755, and in 1759 was one of tb<^ committee to build the 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 127 

meeting-house. After which, he moved to Bekliertowii, 
and was respectable and wealthy. 

Mr. Tiio:vrAS Flint was from Concord. On Jan. 22, 
1745, he married Eunice How, daughter of Moses How, 
Esq., hy whom he had five sons and four daughters. Mr. 
Flint for several years lived in the centre of the town ; he 
then removed, and finished his days where some of his de- 
scendants of three generations are now enjoying them- 
selves. jMr. and Mrs. Flint were both respectable per- 
sons, and lived to old age. Dea. Tilly Flint lives on the 
farm that was his father's. Some of six irenerations have 
breathed the air of Rutland. 

Capt. Thomas Eustis was born at Chelsea. He 
moved to Rutland. Although a carpenter by occupation, 
he bought and settled on House Lot No. 11, granted to 
Col. Pastes Hatch. Mr. Eustis was an active and useful 
member of society, — a Captain of the Minute Company 
at the commencement of the Revolution. His wife was 
Katharine, daughter of Dr. Wheat, of Boston, (afterwards 
of Newton,) by whom he had Thomas, born in 1763; 
Samuel Wheat, Polly, William, John Chamberlain, Mo- 
ses, Abigail and Katee. Capt. Eustis, with his family, in 
1784, removed to Newton. 

Mr. Chamberlain Eustis was brother to Thomas, and 
also a carpenter. Mr. Eustis, on Sept. 3, 1767, married 
Miss Sarah, daughter of Rev. Mr. Buckminster, by whom 
he had the following children : Joseph, Benjamin, Thomas, 
John and Elizabeth. Mr. P'ustis, for several years after 
his marriage, lived on House Lot No. 34. He bought, and 
spent the remainder of his days on a part of the Judge 
Sewall Farm, where his widow now lives. Their grandson, 
William Tappan Eustis is a representative of Boston. 

Mr. Solomon Buckminster, son of Rev. Joseph Buck- 



128 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

minster, was born Feb. 19, 1754. Alrhough the son of a 
minister, he was a real, hiborioiis and respectable farmer. 
Mr. Buckminster, on Nov. o, 1778, married Miss Bettee, 
daughter of Lieut. Peter Davis, by whom he had two s ms. 
Mrs. Buckminster died Sept. 19, 1780, aged 20 years, 11 
months, and 7 days. Mr. Buckminster, on May 5, 1784, 
married for his second wife. Miss Hannah, daughter of 
Mr. David Rice, by whom he had several chiklren. After 
his marriage, he lived in Rutland several years, sold, and 
bought in Packardsfield, New Hampshire, near Keene, 
where he died. 

John Frink, Esq., son of Rev. Mr. Frink, was born on 
House Lot No. 61, Sept. 7, 173L And on June 5, 1754, 
was married to ^Hss Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Peter 
Davis, by whom he had the following children : Bettee, Sa- 
rah, John, Samuel, Isabel and Alice. John Frink, Esq.,- 
was an active, useful, and respectable member of society. 
He sustained many offices in the town, especially in the 
Revolution. He was one of the first in asserting and de- 
fending the rights and privileges of America, and a mem- 
ber of the Convention to form the Constitution of Massa- 
chusetts. He and his son of the same name, have, one or 
the other, been in the practice of physic in this town, for 
upwards of eighty years. There have been six gener- 
ations in succession of this family in Rutland. 

Mr. Isaac Wheeler, his wife, and children, from Med- 
field, were early and respectable settlers of Rutland. 
The farm he and his son Isaac bought, lived, and died 
on, was House Lot No. 20, granted to David Melvin, and 
first division of upland granted to Jonathan Wheeler, be- 
ing the same that Eli Wheeler now lives on. Mr. Isaac 
and Mrs. Sarah Wheeler's children were Isaac, Abraham, 
Jacob, Mercy, Sarah and Rhoda. 



{ 

i 



HISTORY OF RUTL.\ND. 129 

Isaac Wheeler, Jr., was on March 14, 17G5, married to 
Elizabeth, daughter of John Stone, Esq., by whom he 
had the following children : Dorcas, Katee, Elizabeth, 
Isaac, Jacob, Sibyl, Sarah, Reuben and Ely. 

Abraham Wheeler was, on Aug. 22, 1770, married to 
Jemima, daughter of Capt. Phinehas Walker, by whom 
he had the following children : Paul, Lucynda, Abigail, 
Calvin, Luther and Rowland. Mr. Wheeler bought and 
settled on lands laid to Ezekiel Day, and since owned by 
Joseph Symonds, situated within the bounds of New Bos- 
ton, being the same his son Rowland now lives on. Messrs. 
Wheelers were for many years active and useful members 
of society. Jacob never married, — died in manhood, — 
believed to be pious. Mercy, on Nov. 17, 1763, was mar- 
ried to Adam Wheeler, who was a Deacon of the church 
in Hubbardston, and Captain in the Continental Army, &c. 
Sarah married John Watson of Princeton, a Colonel in the 
militia. Rhoda, on Nov. 25, 1788, was married to Nathan 
Clark of Barre. 

Mr. Thomas Read of Sudbury was proprietor of House 
Lot No. 22, and its after divisions. His son Thomas mar- 
ried and moved to Rutland with his wife Sarah, and set- 
tled on the House Lot and some division, land adjoining ; 
they were some of the first settlers, and experienced the 
same dangers and privations with others. But they liv- 
ed to enjoy safety, ease and plenty. Their children were 
Jason, Thomas, Mary, Jonathan and Micah. 

Marriages, S^c. The brothers had so good an opinion 
and high estimation of the Framingham girls, they all 
went there for wives. Jason was born in 1732, and 
married to Zeruiah Nurse, 1756. Thomas was born in 
1733, and married . to Hannah Nurse, 1754. Jonathan 
was born in 1738, and married to Hannah Mayhew, 1766. 
11 



130 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Micah was born in 1742, and married to Elizabeth Rugg, 
17G8. Mary was born in 1736, and married to Oliver 
Davis of Princeton, 1753. 

Jason bought and lived on the Northeast part of the 
Sewall farm, and land he purchased of Jonas Stone, of 
Lexington. His son Jason married Nabby Wetherbee, — 
lived and died on the farm that was his father's. The 
children of Jason Read, sen'r, were Sarah, Enos, Anna, 
Bettee, Pattee and Jason. 

Jason Read died March 1, 1813, aged 81 years. 

Thomas bought and built on land South of his father's, | 
originally laid out to Capt. Samuel Wright. Mr. and Mrs. 
Read had born unto them Hannah, who married Micah 
How ; Lucy married Jonathan How ; Joel married Abi- 
gail Newton ; John married Lydia Watson, — second wife 
Mary Mason ; Bathsheba married Alpheus Foster ; Sa- 
rah married Barzillai Miles ; Thomas married Lucynda 
Wheeler; Daniel married Rebecca Ames. 

Jonathan settled with his father. He and his wife had 
two children ; Molly and John. Mr. Read died with a 
cancer. 

Micah settled in Westmoreland in New Hampshire. 

This family of Reads have been useful and industrious 
inhabitants of Rutland for one hundred and twenty years 

Mr. Daniel Read and his wife Rebekah, with their 
children, for a few years lived on Wood Hill. The father 
and his son, Daniel, were two of those who died of the 
small pox in 1759; — they were buried on the farm. 
John Read, on August 25, 1760, married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Mr. Simon Davis, jun'r. One of the sons has been 
a general in Vermont. Rebekah was married to Daniel 
Winch of Framingham, Feb. 18, 1761. 

Mr. David Rice from Marlborough, purchased of 
Capt. Edward Rice his Muschopauge Farm. In 1755 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



131 



mirriei Miss Lave Moore, dauijhter of Lieat. Paul 
Moore, by who.ii he had the following children : David, 
bora Feb. 18, 1757; Hannah, July 18, 1759; William, 
Aug. 9, 1762; Benjamin, Oct. 27, 1764; Bettee, Nov. 
20, 1768. 

Marriages. Hannah to Solomon Buckminster, May 5, 
1784; David to Widow Abigail Read, June 8, 1785; 
William to Miss Wright; Benjamin to Betsy Oliver, 
May 33, 1802; Betsy to John Osgood, Oct. 10, 1804. 
Mr. Rice was for many years an active citizen, and took 
an interesting part in acquiring our Independence. He 
died in 1801, the first death in the house for upwards of 
eighty years. 

Mu. William Smith, junior, with his father, (a blind 
man,) and a family of seven children, in 1765, moved from 
Weston, and settled on the farm originally laid out to 
Graves and Barnard, to right of Lot No. 13, now owned 
b/ Watson and Baker. Their children were Mary, 
George, William, Lydia, David, Hannah, Enoch, Lois, 
Sally and Eunice. They all married (except George) 
who was drowned when a soldier in the Revolutionary 
war ; he left one female more particularly to bemoan his 
untimely death. Enoch was a soldier of the Revolution. 
Mr. Smith's descendants are numerous, many of whom 
are now inhabitants of Rutland. 

Mr. Thomas Child, on Nov. 23, 1753, was married 
to Anna Bullard. by whom he had Abiather, Mary, Anna 
and Betsey Shepherd. Abiather married Sarah Ames, 
March 13, 1780, by whom he had several children. Ma- 
ry in 1778, was married to Moses Clark of Hubbardston, 
by whom she had several children. Mr. Child bought his 
farm of Capt. John Hubbard. 

Mr. Peter Newton was, on May 18, 1758, married to 



132 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Hannah Child, by whom he had Samuel, Abigail, Peter, 
Asa, Elizabeth and Hannah. All married but Asa, and 
settled in Rutland and in towns adjacent. Mr. Newton 
lived by Mill Brook near Dakin's Bridge, on land he bought 
of Capt. John Hubbard. 

Mr. Thomas Laughton was a shoemaker by occupa- 
tion, and lived on the east side of Pound Hill, on land laid 
out to Col. Estes Hatch, to his right of House Lot No. 11. 
Mr. Laughton and Rebekah his wife had the following 
children : Susanna, Nathaniel, Rebekah and Thomas. 
Susanna married Samuel, son of Mr. Samuel Gates. Na- 
thaniel was a Continental soldier, and killed at the battle 
of the White Plains. Mr. L:iughton sold his stand to 
Henry Rice. 

Mr. Henry Rice bought of Thomas Lausjhton ; — 
put up a shop for blacksmi thing on the brow of the hill, in 
which for several years he worked at his trade. Mr. Rice 
and his wife Sarah had born unto them the following chil- 
dren : Abiah, Nov. 10, 1761; Paul, July 18, 1763; Sa- 
rah, Aug. 9, 1765; p:phraim, Jan. 13, 1768. Mrs. .Rice 
died. Mr. Rice married a second wife, who had twins, 
named Triphena and Triphosi. Abiah listed into the Con- 
tinental service, became a sergeant. After the war, he 
settled and married in Vermont, and acquired a handsome 
landed property. 

Lieut. Simon Davis and his wife Dorothy were from 
Concord. He was proprietor of House Lot No 6, and 
all its after divisions ; — eighty acres of the first division 
of upland was in Nov. 1724 laid adjoining his House Lot, 
and is now called the " Old King Farm." Mr. Davis 
owned seventy six acres joining on Muschopauge Pond, 
which he deeded to John Stone, and is now owned by Levi 
Bartlett. Mr. Davis was one of the first and principal 



n 'STORY OF RUTLANP. 133 

settlers of Rutland — one of the three first selectmen, 
&c. His name is on record as early as 1720 ; he shared 
the dangers, privations and hardships with others that com- 
menced its settlement, — there being no road he carried 
his plough on his back several miles. He with his son 
Simon on August 14, 1723, (the day Rev. Mr. Willard 
and Dea. Stevens's sons were killed,) providentially es- 
caped being killed by Indians, by returning from their 
meadow earlier, and by a different route than usual; — as 
two Indians for some time waylaid to kill them on their re- 
turn. Mr. and Mrs. Davis had the following children, 
part of whom were born at Rutland : Joseph, Israel, 
Eleazer, Simon, Martha, Oliver, Mary and Azubah. Mr. 
Davis sold his lands, and with his wife spent their last 
days with their son Eleazer at Holden. 

Simon Davis, jun'r, with his wife Hannah, lived oa 
House Lot No. 13, laid out to Graves and Barnard. 
They were parents of Elizabeth, born Jan. 1735 ; Han- 
nah, March. 1736 ; Miriam, June, 1738 ; David, Jan., 
1740; second Elizabeth, June, 1742; Simon, April, 
1744; Mercy, June, 1745; second Simon, Aug. 1747; " 
Isaac, Feb., 1749; Samuel, June, 1751; John, Sept., 
1752. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were respectable and useful 
members of society. Mr. Davis on April 9, 1754, when 
at work on a frame for Mr. Smith of Holden, (who lost 
his house by fire,) observed he felt faint, — fell and died. 
Widow Davis died with the small pox, Jan. 7, 1760, and 
was buried on the farm. 

Marriages, S^c. of their children. " Deacon Isaac 
Davis was born in Rutland, in this County. His father 
Simon Davis, was a son of Simon Davis, who removed 
from Concord to Rutland. Rjv. Joseph Davis the first 
minister of Holden, was another son of Simon Davis, sen'r. 
11* 



134 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Dea. Davis removed to Northborough during the Revolu- 
tionary war, and has been for a long succession of 
years one of our most distinguished citizens. His first 
-tvife — the mother of his children — was a daughter of the 
late Dr. Samuel Brifrham of Marlborough, who was mar- 
ried to a daughter of Dr. Benjamin Gott, whose wife was 
Sarah, a daughter of Rev. Robert Breck the second min- 
ister of Marlborough."* Dea. Davis died April 27, 1826, 
ao^ed 77 years. Hon. John Davis, son of the late Isaac 
Davis, P^sq., graduated at Yale College in 1812 ; has 
been a Counsellor at Law in Worcester, — Represented 
this District in the Congress of the United States, — been 
Governor of Massachusetts, and is now a Senator there- 
of in the Congress of the United States. 

Hannah married Jonathan Knight ; Miriam, Jabez 
Fairbank ; second P^lizabeth, John Read ; first Elizabeth 
and first Simon died young. David married Abigail 
Brown — was a Deacon of the church in Paxton ; Sam- 
uel was a DeacoH of the church in Oakham ; John lived 
in that part of Holden set off to Paxton — was a Colonel 
in the militia. — All were respectable persons. 

Oliver, son of Simon Davis, sen'r, mari-ied Mary, daugh- 
ter of Mr. Thomas Read, and settled at Princeton. 

Mr. Jonathan Davis was an early settler in Rutland — 
was an active and useful man ; he bought House Lots Nos. 
7 and 9 ; No. 7 is now owned by Dr. Frink ; No. 9 by 
Messrs. Estabrooks. Mr. Davis and Abigail his wife had 
born at Rutland, Mary, Jan., 1728-9 ; Ruth, March, 1731 ; 
Ezra, May, 1733 ; John, Sept., 1735 ; second Ruth, Sept. 
1737 ; many of the early settlers of Rutland were of the 

* Extract from the history of Northborough. 



TirSTOiY OF I^UTLAND. 135 

name of Davis. — §ome were brothers, and many relat- 
ed by birth or marriage ; many of their descendants now 
live in Rutland and its vicinity. 

Mr. Ebkxkzer King and his wife Mary with their 
children were from Danvers. He bought the " Simon 
Davis farm," where he and his son for many years kept a 
tavern ; they were respectable and very moral people. 
As early as 1724, there was an orchai'd on this farm, some 
of which trees were standing until a short time since. Mr. 
King's sons lived in Rutland. — p]benezer on the old farm ; 
Joseph, on Nov. 22, 1778, married Mary, daughter of Mr. 
Ephraim Church, by whom he had several chihlren ; sev- 
eral of his descendants are now inhabitants of Rutland. 

Mr. Ephraim Church married Sarah Gates of Marl- 
boro', and settled in Rutland on House Lot No. 34, where 
he lived several years, and then sold it, — and afterwards 
with his son-in-law Porter bought the " Robert Douglass 
farm," originally laid to Deacon Ball, which they sold. 
Mr. Church bought a farm in Holden. (now owned by 
Messrs. Meads) where he died. 

]\Ir. Church's family were very industrious and respec- 
table. 

Marriages, S^c, of their childi-en. Sarah was, in Dec. 
17(36, married to Mr, Samuel Porter; Stephen married 
Esther, daughter of Lieut. Paul Moore. Paul and Silas 
were twins; Silas died young of a mortification — Paul 
settled at Athol, and was a Deacon of their Church ; Asa 
was an officer of the Revolution. In 1774, he married 
Rachel Newton, and settled in Hubbardston, — was a 
Cap'a'n in the Militia ; Mary married Joseph King ; 
Ephraim in 1782, married Polly Blair, daughter of one 
of two sisters by the name of Macclewain wdio were res- 
cued from a watery grave on their passage to America. 



136 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Capt. John Phelps married Susanna Gates of Marl- 
borough ; bought and settled on House Lot No. 5ij. Mr. 
Phelps was an early and respectable citizen, and filled 
offices in the town and militia, — was a Captain before the 
Revolution. 

Mcmiages of their children, &c. Sarah to Daniel Da- 
vis, jun'r, in 17o3 ; Simon to Abigail Estabrook, 1765, — 
and to Tabitha Maynard, 17(57, second wife; Elizabeth to 
Nathan Goodall, 1765; Susanna to William Henry, 1773; 
Moses to Deborah Munro, 1778; John died at Albany in 
1757, aged 23 years; Aaron was a minute man, and en- 
gaged in the first eight months service, — was taken sick, 
removed home, died, and was buried in Rutland. His 
grave was for many years visited and watered with the 
tears of a female as she passed through the town.* 

Capt. Stephen Gates married Damaris How of Marl- 
borough, and in 1749 removed to Rutland, and settled on 
a farm he bought of Jonas Lenard, which had been pre- 
viously owned by James Ileaton, and tiiat was originally 
granted to John Buttolph, to his right of House Lot No. 
37. Mr. Gates was a useful citizen, — held offices in the 
town and militia. Mr. and Mrs. Gates were parents of the 
following children ; Stephen born at Marlborough, Jona- 
than, Sylvanus, David, Lucretia, Zelotes, Laviua, Za- 
dock, Matilda, Alfred and Sarah Capt. Gates died Oct. 
5, 1773, aged bQ years. Widow Damaris Gates died 
Dec. 3, 1809, aged 84. 

The three last families were united in blood and friend- 
ship, — their descendants are numerous, many of whom 
are inhabitants of Rutland. 

Mr. Samuel Porter, son of Rev. Samuel Porter of 

* Abigail Bayley. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 137 

Sherburne, was educated and took liis degree at Harvard 
University, after wliich he came to Riithmd, and before, 
at the time, and after the Revolution, taught a Latin school 
many years. Mr. Porter on Dec. 18, 17 GO, married Sa- 
rah, daughter of Mr. Ephraim Church, by whom he had 
the following children: Sarah, born in 17G7; Samuel, 
1768; Moses, 1770; Stephen, 1772; Mary, 1774; 
Sewall, 1777; Joseph Sewall, 1783. Mr. Porter and his 
father-in-law bought the Douglass farm, where they 
lived several years, — then sold it to George Bruce, af- 
ter which he bought a small farm at White Hall, on 
the road to Barre. ISIr. Porter was a good and useful 
citizen in the time of the Revolution ; although not bless- 
ed with o-reat wealth, he had a o-reater blessins^, — a fam- 
ily of amiable children; — he removed, and with one of 
them spent his last days. 

Mr. Robp:rt Douglass bought, and for several years 
lived on the " Dea. Ball farm ; " while at Rutland he 
sustained offices in the town as Selectman, &c., previous 
to the Revolution. His cliildren born at Rutland were 
Robert, born in 1759; William, 1761; Barnard, 1763. 

Lieut. David Hknry, previous to 1759, bought lands 
laid out to Alexander Bothel and Benjamin Willard by the 
Quarries, on what is now called Barrack hill, where he 
lived until the commencement of the Revolution ; at the 
time the Barracks were buildinfy, he sold and bought of 
Capt. Phelps the farm and House Lot No. 56. Mr. Hen- 
ry was a Lieut, before the Revolution, in which he took 
an active part and f<n' several years sustained offices in the 
town, and was a good citizen. Mr. Henry in 1761 mar- 
ried Hannah Watson of Leicester, who was the mother of 
the following children: Sarah, born in 1763; David, 
1764; Samuel, 1765; Hannah, 1767; Benjamin, 1769; 



138 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Silus, 1771 ; Johnson, 1773 ; Lydia, 1775 ; Betsey, 1781. 
Lieut. David Henry died Dec. 22d, 1809, aged 75 years. 

Nathaniel Munro, P3sq., with his wife Mary, seven 
children and four negroes,* removed from Bristol, Rhode 
Island, in 1768, to Rutland; purchased a farm of Jotham 
Bellows, being part of the " Judge Sewall farm." Mr. 
Munro and his family were respectable people. Mr. Mun- 
ro died May 6, 1794, aged 82 ; Mrs. Munro, Aug. 4, 
1794, aged 79 years. 

Marriages, S^c, of their children. Margaret to Wil- 
liam Coggisall, Esq., of Rhode Island ; Timothy to Lu- 
cretia Gates ; Benjamin to Lavina Gates ; Deborah to 
Moses Phelps : Stephen was a Doctor, settled and prac- 
tised at Millbury. 

Mr. William Bridge of Lexington, married Mary 
Porter, removed to Rutland, — purchased land laid out to 
the heirs of Jacob Farrar, being second division of Lot 
No. 23. Mr. Bridge was a mason by occupation, yet he 
had a good common education — was an excellent drafts- 
man, filled many offices, was a useful citizen, an P^nsign 
of the minute men, &c. Mr. and Mrs. Bridge had sev- 
eral children who settled in different parts of the United 
States, one of which is the relict of the late Zadock Gates, 
Esq. Ensign Bridge died Feb. 9, 1804, aged 64 years. 
His widow is yet living, enjoying her mental faculties at 
the age of ninety. 

Mr. George Clark, a tailor by occupation, came to 
Rutland, and in 1765, married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. 
Aaron Rice by a second marriage, by whom he had some 
land, on which they lived ; it was part of House Lot No, 
4, (being the stand now owned by Alpheus King 

* Not a NeErro now belongs to this town. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 139 

Brown.) Mr. Chirk was a facetious man, and a favorite of 
Col. Murray ; yet he entered into the service of his coun- 
try, and was a soldier of the Revolution ; he kept his final 
settlements until they sold for five hundred dollars, with 
which he opened a small store. Their children were Pat- 
ty, Sally and Aaron, who all married ; Patty to Isaac 
Clark of Ilubbardston. 

Mr Clark and his wife several years ago sold and re- 
moved to New York State, and lived with their daughter, 
Sally. 

Dka. Eleazer Ball was proprietor of House Lot No. 
58, and all its after divisions ; one of the first settlers of 
Rutland, and for many years sustained offices in the pro- 
prietory, town and church ; — when he begun to fell the 
trees, he was not only exposed to many difficulties and 
privations incident to settlers in the wo -ds far from the 
habitations of civilization, but to the ravenous bear and 
wolf, and cruel Indian. Mr. Ball and his wife, Abi<rail, 
were from Concord. Their children were Eleazer, born 
in 1728; Grace, 1730; Phmehas, 1732; Abigail, 1735; 
Sarah, 1737; Israel, 1739; Hannah, 1741. By Margaret, 
second wife, Mary, 1744; John, 1747. Abigail, first wife 
of Dea. Ball died Oct. 9, 1741. 

Eleazer Ball, jun'r, in 1757, married Lucy Derby of 
Concord, by whom he had Eleazer, born in 1760; Mary, 
1762; Phinehas, 1764. Mr. Ball lived in New Boston, 
near Ware river. He died. His widow married Samuel 
Chaffin of Holden in 1768. 

Eleazer Ball, 3d, on Nov. 3, 1783, married Lucy Ro- 
zier, by whom he had the following children : Polly, Jonas, 
Samuel, Rufus, Lucy, Silas Rozier, Joel, Louisa and Ada- 
line. Several of the daughters married and settled in Mon- 
treal ; Jonas married and lives in Rutland. 



140 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

The descendants of Deacon Ball are numerous and set- 
tled not only in various parts of the United States, but in 
the British Dominions. There are but few of them now 
inhabitants of Rutland. 

Mr. Jamks Wheeler was from Concord, — a black- 
smith by trade; he bought of Dea. Muzzy a part of his 
farm originally laid to Joseph Wright, and set up a shop, 
in which for several years he worked at his trade ; he sold 
his stand and bought at the parting of Ilardwick and Barre 
roads, where he lived until his death. 

Mr. Wheeler, on May 24, 1750, married Abigail, daugh- 
ter of Dea. Ball, who was the mother ol Abigail, Mary, 
Humphry, Phinehas, James, Sarah, Eleazer, Elizabeth, and 
Deidama. Humphry and Mary died in the sickness of 1756. 
Abigail married Isaac Stratton ; Phinehas, Polly McCobb; 
James, Thankful Tower ; Ddidami, Nathan Munro. Mr. 
Wheeler's children settled in diif^u'ent parts — there are 
none of his descendants in Rutland. 

Capt. Phinehas Walker married Beulah Clap; they 
were both of Sudbury, where their two first children were 
born. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were parents of the following 
children: Jemima, born in 1747; Jonas, 1749; Abel, 1752; 
John, 1755; Anna, 1757; Daniel, 1759; Sarah, 1762; 
Asa, 1764; Reuben, 1767. 

Capt. Walker bought lands at the confluence of Ware 
and Longmeadow streams, laid to Capt. Joseph Ilaynes 
and Mr. Samuel Waldo, where he built and moved in about 
1750, and was for many years one of our most valuable 
citizens, — filled many offices in the town, and was a captain 
of the militia in the Revolutionary war, &c. 

Soon after Mr. Walker removed to Rutland, he and his 
wife were admitted into the Church, and were exemplary 
members thereof; although they lived four miles from meet- 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 141 

ing their seats were seldom empty. They had the trial of 
burying their sons, Abel and John, in one grave, in the 
sickness of 1756. Jonas was a minute man, and an officer 
of the Revolution ; Asa was a doctor — settled and prac- 
ticed in Barre ; Reuben was a doctor — died Nov. 30, 1797 ; 
Daniel, on Dec. 25, 1781, married Sibbel Roper — is now 
one of our Justices ; Ens. Jonas Walker married Sarah, 
daughter of Mr. Daniel Davis, jun'r, on Feb. 15, 1779. 
Sarah married Luther Johnson, a soldier of the Revolution, 
Dec. 9, 1783 ; Jemima married Abraham Wheeler. Capt. 
Walker died in his chair of a fit of apoplexy, Oct. 16, 1792, 
in the 71st year of his age. Beulah, relict of Capt. Phine- 
has Walker died May 4, 1809, in the 86th year of her age. 
Mr. Samuel Gates, his wife, Abigail, from Rutland 
District, with their children, in 1768, moved on a farm he 
purchased of Samuel Laughton, in New Boston, adjoining 
Lon<r Meadow Brook, south of Ware River, beinor the same 
Joseph Gates now lives on. They were an industrious and 
respectable family. 

Sarah Gates was married to Jason Duncan, Oct. 16, 
1775; Abigail to Benjamin Estabrook, June 21, 1778, 
Samuel Gates, jun'r, to Susanna, daughter of Nathaniel 
Laughton; Joseph to Sarah Roper, Feb. 15, 1789, and 
lived with his parents ; Benjamin to Elizabeth eNwton, 
Oct. 1789 ; Hannah to Samuel Flathorn, March, 1798. 

Mr. Daniel Roper with his wife, Sarah, from Sutton, 
in 1776, bought a farm of John Bruce, and removed to 
Rutland, being the same his son, Daniel, lives on. 

Mr. Roper was an industrious and good townsman. He 
lived to the age of 90 years, — his descendants are many, 
several of whom are inhabitants of New Boston. 

3Iarria<jes of their Children. — Sibbel to Daniel Walker ; 
12 



142 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Sarah to Joseph Gates ; Daniel to Pamelia Davis ; John 
to Sarah How ; Polly to James Piper ; Lucretia to Elijah 
Green. 

Mr. Matthias How and Elizabeth, his wife, were early- 
settlers of Rutland. He bought land on the West side of 
Ware River, near' Judge Sewall's farm, originally laid out 
to Jonas Clark, Esq., (now owned by Francis S. Hooker,) 
where he and his wife had born unto them : Matthias^ 
May, 1742; Sarah, June, 1744; Tabitha, Aug., 174G ; 
Micah, June, 1749; Abigail, Aug., 1752; Ruth, Jan., 
1755. 

Marriages of their children. Matthias married Azubah, 
daughter of Mr. Nathan Davis, Oct., 1767; Micah mar- 
ried Hannah, daughter of Capt. Thomas Read. Mr. 
How's descendants are many ; some of the fifth genera- 
tion are inhabitants of Rutland. Matthias settled with his 
father. — He lived to near 90 years. 

Mr. Bp:n.jamin Nurse and family previous to 1747, 
lived the North side of Mill Brook, on Mill Lot, and as 
late as 1747, was chosen to petition the General Court to 
fortify this Town against the common enemy with Garri- 
sons, and a suitable number of men, &c. 

Benjamin Nurse, jun'r, lived on the South side of Mill 
Brook, where he and his wife Martha had the following 
children; Sarah, born in 1744; Benjamin, 1746; Mar- 
tha, 1747; Susanna, 1749; John, 1753; Hepzibah, 
1755 ; Jonas, 1757. 

Joshua Nurse and his wife, Mary, had the following 
children: Abigail, born 1745; Bettee, 1747; Lydia, 1749; 
Asa, 1753; Huldah, 1756; Ephraim, 1758; Hannah, 1762. 

Nathan Davis, jun'r, on Dec, 8, 1761, was married 
to Mary Nurse. In 1763, Dec. 8, Joshua Nurse, jun'r, to 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



143 



Pvlizabeth Rogers; in 1772, Dec. 14, Benjamin Nurse, 
3<1, to Mary, daughter of Isaac Stevens. She is now living. 
Tlie family of Nurses are numerous and settled in various 
phices. But few of their posterity are now inhabitants of 
Rutland. 

The lands and buildings occupied by the Messrs Nurses, 
have been owned and occupied by Joshua and James Phil- 
lips w^ith their families, John Bruce, Messrs. Ropers, &c., 
being the lands granted to Daniel Shepard and John 
Barker for the privilege of erecting mills. 

Mr. Joseph Simonds, from Lexington, in the early set- 
tlement of New Boston, purchased lands originally laid 
out to Ezekiel Day to his right of House Lot No. 16, on 
which for several years he lived. 

Mr. Simonds was a man of wit, — yet of an eccentric 
character. He lived a single and singular life; he sold 
his farm and bought in New Hampshire, where for several 
years he lived ; — some freak took him — he abandoned his 
farm and tools — spent his last days hermit-like, and died 
several years since in Hubbardston. 

Mr. Ephrahi Bruck was an early settler of Rutland* 
He bought land on Oak Hill laid out to Henry Franklyn 
and others, — since owned by Eliakim Davis, now by Jedu- 
than Green. Mr. Bruce and his wife had the following 
children: John, born in 1770; Peter, 1772; Stewart, 1774 ; 
Luther, 1776; Dolly, 1778; Debbe, 1782. His brother, 
John Bruce, at the same time lived in New Boston. 

Mr. Bexj.vmin Stearns from Lexington, in 1753, mar- 
ried Mary Warren of Hardwick, by whom he had the fol- 
lowing children: Levi, born in 1755; FAl 1757; John, 
1760; Mary, 1763; Jonas, 1765. 

Mr. Stearns bought land laid out to Col. Hatch, on Da- 



144 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

vis's brook, where he lived until his death, which happened 
Sept. 27, 1766. Widow Stearns was, on April 21, 1771, 
married to Benjamin Hoit of Hubbardston. Levi married 
Miss Warren. Eli settled at Lancaster, — was a Justice of 
the Peace and a Representative. John was a soldier of the 
Revolution. Mary married Asa Rice; Jonas married 
Lydia Savage, — both settled at Princeton. 

Mr. Francis Maynard boucrht land ori^nallv laid out 
to Capt. Samuel Wright, on the North side of the ten rod 
road, on Pound Hill, — was a tailor by occupation. In 
1767, he married Ruth, daughter of Mr. P^phraim Hubbard, 
by whom he had Mercy, born in 1767 ; Patty, 1768 ; Amasa, 
1769; Ephraim, 1771; Ruth, 1774; Naomi, 1776. 

Amasa married and settled in Oakham, — the others in 
different places. There is none of their descendants in 
Rutland. 

Mr. Thomas Harman in 1774, married Anne Lamond 
of Leicester, was for several years a noted Surveyor, and 
assisted in surveying and setting off several of the divisions 
of land in Rutland and elsewhere. 

He owned land laid to Thomas Fitch, Esq., and land 
laid to him in right of School Lot No. 63, situated East of 
Long Pond, where he lived until his death. 

Mr. Eleazer Brown was proprietor of House Lot 
No. 54, and all its' after divisions, and, on May 20, 1731, 
had 30 acres of land laid out to him by Ware River. Mr. 
Brown early in the settlement of Rutland with his wife and 
family removed and began a settlement in the woods, sever- 
al miles distant from any white inhabitants, where he built 
and commenced clearing the land for his future residence. 
But his prospects were cut off. " The remarkable death 
of Eleazer Brown who went from home well on the 25th 
day of November, 1746, and on January the 17th day, 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 145 

1747, he was found dead, lying by the side of a buck 
deer." Tradition says his gun stood by a tree. 

IMrs. Brown had the resohition and fortitude to remain 
on the settlement for several years after the death of her 
husband, before there weie any other inhabitants, — and 
the place was for several years called " Widow Brown's 
Town.'"* It had been the practice of Mr. Brown to take 
cattle from the lower towns, — let them run in the woods, — 
yard and salt them, by the sound of the conkshell they 
would collect. Mrs. Brown, after her husband's death, 
would take her gun. mount her horse, ride in the catties' 
paths, and by the sound of her conkshell collect them, — 
and when necessary, ride and pass over Ware River to 
Rutland. 

Capt. Saxmuel Brown was brother to Eleazer. He 
was owner of 1 GO acres of first division of upland in right 
of House Lot No. 54, located East and South of Turkey 
Hill Pond, on which he lived. Mr. Brown was an active 
and useful townsman. While belonging to Rutland he 
sustained offices in the town and militia. Many years 
past he malted barley, made brick, &c. 

Mr. Brown and Sarah, his wife, had the following chil- 
dren : Abel, born in 1739; Abigail, 1743; Martha, 1746 ; 
Samuel, 1749; Alpheus, 1752; Abijah, 1755. 

Capt. Brow^n's descendants are many, — some of the fifth 
o'eneration are now inhabitants of Rutland. 

o 

Capt. Samuel Stone of Lexington, formerly of Sud- 
bury, was proprietor of Ilouse Lot No. 25, and all its after 
divisions, and with his sons became owner of about 900 
acres. 

Mr. Samuel Stone, jun'r, owned and lived on the House 

*IS"ow Hubbardston. 
13* 



146 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Lot and after divisions contignon?, and was one of the 
first settlers of the town. He was, on Oct. 20, 1732, 
married to Mindwell, daughter of Dea. Stevens, by whom 
he had the following children : Esther, born in 1733 ; Sam- 
uel, 1736 ; Isaac, 1739 ; Mindwell, 1742 ; Stevens, 1744 ; 
second Stevens, 1746; Elijah, 1749. - 

Mr. Stone, though advanced in life, was so engaged in 
the liberty of liis country, he entered its service, and died 
in the Revolutionary war. His son, Isaac, died in the 
French war, Nov. 20, 1756. Mindwell and Stevens died 
young. Esther married John Briant ; Samuel married 
Patience Atherton, in 17-". 6, by whom he had one son, 
named Samuel. Mrs. Stone died with small pox, Dec , 
1759. Mr. Stone married for his second wife, Dorothy 
Fletcher in 1761, by whom he had Thomas, born in 1762 ; 
Dorothy, 1764; Alpheus F. Fletcher, 1767 ; Abigail, 1769 ; 
Susanna, 1772. Mr. Stone died Dec. 10, 1775, in the for- 
tieth year of his age. He was an active and useful citizen 
in the commencement of the Revolution. 

Second Stevens, on August 30, 1770, married Mercy 
Munro; Elijah was, on April 18, 1771, married to Eunice 
Savage. 

Mr. Nathan Stone built and lived on the North part 
of the land granted to his father and himself at the parting 
of Hubbardston and Princeton roads, where he and his wife, 
Mary, had the following children: Mary, born in 1741; 
Thankful, 1743: Nathan, 1746; Jeduthan, 1748; Lois, 
1752; Rebekah, 1756. 

Mary was married to Edward Rice, May 10, 1758; 
Thankful to Isaac Savage in 1766 ; Nathan to Freelove 
PhilHps, in 1768; Lois to Eli Clark, in 1770; Jeduthan, 



HISTOHY OF RUTLAND. 147 

to Elizabeth How, in 1773; Rebekali to Thoniiis Hunt, 
in 1775. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stone were useful members of society ; 
their descendants are many, some of whom live on the 
original farm, and several others in Rutland. 

John Stone, Esq., and his wife, Elizabeth, were from 
Lexington. His farm bounded P^asterly on Muschopauge 
Pond ; although not a proi)rietor, he was for many years a 
useful member of society, and sustained civil, municipal 
and religious offices until near his death. 

Dea. Stone and his first wife had the following children : 
John, born Dec, 1732; Abigail, October, 1734; Sarah 
Dec, 1736; Eunice, March, 1739; Beulah, April, 1741; 
Elizabeth, ]March, 1743; Dorcas, May, 1745; Hepzibah, 
April, 1747; Israel, April, 17 19. 

Mrs. p:iizabeth Stone died May 21. 1751, in the 38th 
year of her age. Dea. Stone in 1766, married Widow 
Mary Brown of Holden, relict of Timothy Brown, and 
daughter of Samuel Stratton, senior. John Stone, Esq., 
died Oct. 11, 1776. 

Marriages, 4'^^ of his children. John, in 1755, mar- 
ried Lucy Fletcher; Abigail died in 1755; Sarah lived 
single to old age; Eunice married Isaac Bellows; Beulah 
married Silas Jones ; Elizabeth married Isaac Wheeler ; 
Dorcas died Dec 21, 1747; Hepzibah married Jonathan 
Gates ; Israel married Lydia Barret. 

The descendants of Dea. Stone are numerous and peo- 
pling several of the United States, — several are inhabit- 
ants of Rutland. 

Mr. Jonas Stone and Elizabeth, his wife, were from 
Lexinijton, — owned and lived on land granted to Samuel 
Stone for first division of upland laid to House Lot No. 25, 
situated one mile and one-third East of the meeting-house. 



148 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stone were respectable ; he lield several 
offices while at Rutland in the proprietory, town and church. 

Their children were Elizabeth, born in 1733; Deborah, 
1736; Jonas, 1740-41; Lucy, 1743; Hannah, 174G; 
Zeruiah, 1749. Mr. Stone in 1751, returned to Lex- 
ington. 

Isaac Stone, Esq., (brother to Jonas.) with his wife 
Martha, and their children, — Abner, born in 1748; Pat- 
tee, 1751 ; — removed from Lexington, and settled on the 
farm his brother left. Their children born in Rutland, 
were Isaac, in 1753 ; Abigail, 1755; Alpheus, 1757. 

Mr. Stone, in 1762, sold, moved and built the West part 
of the Tavern House, in the centre of the town, where he 
for several years kept a public house, — which has been from 
that time to the present, occupied in like manner, being 
House Lot No. 61, granted to the first settled minister, which 
was garrisoned for Rev. Mr. Willard. 

Esquire Stone in the early settlement of Oakham bought 
a good lot of land a little North of where the meetin^^-house 
stands, on which he built and removed his family, — and 
married his daughter, Pattee, to the Rev. John Strickland, 
the first minis.er of Oakham. 

Capt. John Stone, son of John Stone, Esq., was, on 
Sept. 9, 1755, married to Lucy, daughter of Dr. Hezekiah 
Fletcher, by whom he had the following children : Heze- 
kiah, born in 1756; P^lizabeth, 1758; Lucy, 1760; John, 
1763 ; Susanna, 1765 ; second Hezekiah, 1769 ; Hannah, 
1772; second Susanna, 1774 ; Alpheus F., 1778 ; Hannah 
Buckminster, 1780. 

Capt. Stone bought and settled on land originally laid 
out to Lieut. Simon Davis, bounded on the Northwest 
corner of Muschopauge Pond. Capt. Stone was a very 
useful member of society ; — -was Lieutenant of the minute 



HISTOUY OF RUTLAND. 149 

company, and afterwurds Captain of the militia, — for many 
years a Selectman, Assessor, and Town Clerk, &c,, and 
represented the town in the General Court. 

Mr. Simon Stone and his wife, Hannah, from Fram- 
ingham, came to Rutland. He bought land laid to Lieut. 
Simon Davis, and set up a tannery, (supposed to be the 
first in town,) where he for several years carried on the 
tanning and curryiug business ; he sold and bought a farm 
now owned by his son, Jonas, originally granted to Samuel 
Sewall, Esq. Mr. Stone was of the same family as others 
of that name that settled in Rutland. Part of their chil- 
dren were born in Framingham — the following were born 
in Rutland: Daniel, Feb. 23, 1747-8; David, Feb. 24, 
1749; Jonas, Aug. 10. 1752; Lucy, Aug., 1754; second 
Daniel, May 28, 1757; Susamia, Nov. 15, 1760. One 
dauii'hter is now livin^, ag^ed 90 years. 

The family by the name of Stone that settled in Rutland 
were respectable, — their descendants are numerous and set- 
tled in various parts of America. 

Dea. John Muzzy married Abigail, daughter of AVil- 
liam Reed, Esq., of Lexington, with whom and his son, 
John, he moved to Rutland. He bought land originally 
granted to Joseph Wright to his right of House Lot No. 
10, where he lived several years — near where the great 
elm stands, between Silas Davis's and Suel Reed's. Mr. 
Muzzy sold to James Wheeler, and for a short time lived 
on the farm now owned by Levi Bartlett, from whence he 
moved to Spencer, where for many years he was Deacon 
of the church and an active member of society ; whilst at 
Rutland he was a Selectman, Assessor, &c. Mr. and Mrs. 
Muzzy had fifteen children. The following were born in 
Rutland: Thaddeus, in 1740; Mary, 1742; Olive, 1744 i 



150 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Elizabeth Bradshaw, 1746; Jonas, 1748; Rebekah, 1750 
Sarah, 1752. 

Widow Olive Stebbins now living at Spencer, recollects 
having the throat distemper in 1749, at the time many died 
with it in Rutland and other places. 

Dea. Muzzy's descendants are many, some of the fifth 
generation now live in Rutland. 

Mr. Benjamin Reed, son of William Reed, Esq., 
and Rebekah his wife, married Mary Muzzy, by whom he 
had the following children: Mary, born in 1744; Benja- 
min, 1745; Edmund, 1747; second Benjamin, 1750; 
second Mary, 1751; second Edmund, 1755; Patience, 
1761 ; Silas, 1762. Mr. and Mrs. Reed were bereaved of 
three children b}^ the canker-rash within twelve days in the 
sickness of 1749, and were left childless. The next son, a 
promising young man, was one of the minute men ; he 
marched at his country's call — enlisted in the eight months 
service, and was one* of the slain at the memorable battle 
of Blinker Hill, June 17, 1775. 

But they are not left without posterity. 

Edmund, in 1778, married Merriam demons; Patience, 
in 1781, was married to Daniel Nurse; Mary, in 1785, 
was married to Samuel Hair; Silas, in 1785, married 
Eleanor Hunter. 

IMr. Reed was an honest man, a good neighbor, and useful 
townsman. His farm was situated on Worcester meadow 
hill, being division land laid out to Joseph Wright to his 
right of House Lot No. 10. 

Dea. Jonas Reed, brother of Benjamin Reed, mar- 
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Wright of Concord, by whom he had Rebekah, born 
in 1748; Jonas, 1750; Elizabeth, 1755; second Jonas, 
1759; Nathan, 1761. Jonas and Elizabeth died of the 
dysentery in the sickness of 1756, and were buried in one 



HISTOllY OF RUTLAND. 151 

grave in Rutland. Although Mr. Reed bought and lived 
in Ilolden, it being the corner farm, and within two miles 
of Rutland meeting-house, he belonged to its church and 
attended its meetings. He sold his farm and bought of 
David Brown a farm, where Jonas and Nathan were born, 
which he sold to Capt. James Davis, — and in 1763, 
moved on the farm he bought of Isaac Stone, where he 
lived until his death, which occurred April 5, 1806, in the 
84th year of his age. 

There are several of the descendants of William Reed, 
Esq., now inhabitants of Rutland ; one of whom is in a 
direct line, both of the fourth and fifth generation. 

I would here note, that the family of Reeds from Lex- 
ington spelt their name Reed, and those from Sudbury 
Read, — and should likewise note, it has been my practice 
in general to spell names as originally recorded. 

Lieut. Timothy MnrcALF, with his wife Hannah and 
two children, in 1763, moved from Dedham to Rutland. 
He bought a farm on Bear hill, originally laid to, and lived 
on by Benjamin Fletcher to his right of House Lot No. 
29. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf were very respectable ; he 
sustained many offices in the town. Their children were 
Timothy, Reuben, Hannah and Sarah. Timothy enlisted 
in the first eight months' service, — was taken sick and 
died before his time of service was out. Reuben married 
and settled at Brattleborough ; Hannah was married to 
Zadock Gates, April 17, 1788; Sarah, was on March 13, 
1799, married to Calvin How. Hannah, wife of Lieut. 
Timothy Metcalf, died Dec. 13, 1812, aged 76 years. Mr. 
Metcalf lived to a good old age. 

CuL. Daniel Clapp, in 1768, bought part of the land 
originally granted to Col. Thomas Fitch, now owned by 
Messrs. Holdens. Mr. Clapp, formerly of Sudbury, moved 



152 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

from Princeton to Rntlancl. His wife was Sarah Muzzy, 
from Concord, — they were not blessed with children. 

Col. Clapp, while at Rutland, was an active and useful 
citizen, and filled many otiices, especially in the com- 
mencement of the American Revolution. His wife dying, 
he sold his farm, and devoted -himself to public service. 
He was for many years Register of Deeds for the County 
of Worcester. 

Hon. John Fessenden, was born at Lexington. Mr. 
Fessenden, previous to the Revolution, bought a farm in 
Rutland, situated on Walnut Hill, laid out in 17*28, to Mr. 
Samuel White, to his right of House Lot No. 3G, which 
has been owned by Eliphalet How and David Brown. 

Mr. Fessenden, on Nov. 23, 1769, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Capt. Ross Wyman of Shrewsbury, by whom 
he had John, born in 1770; Wyman, 1772; Inman, 1773; 
Elizabeth, 1775; Stephen, 1777; Relief, 1780; Thomas, 
1783; Sarah Wedland, 1787. 

Esquire Fessenden, although not heir to great wealth, 
or having the advantage of a classical education, yet, by 
a strong mind, retentive memory, of republican principles, 
and a certain tact of expression, was a favorite of the pop- 
ulace, and was chosen or appointed into many offices, — as 
Representative, Senator, on committees of the town, and 
of the Commonwealth to sell the confiscated lands, a Jus- 
tice of the Peace, &c. Esquire Fessenden died of apoplexy, 
April 7, 1793, in the 64th year of his age. 

Mr. James and Mrs. Elizabeth Browning brought 
letters testimonial of their church fellowship in Ireland, and 
were received into communion with the church in Rutland, 
May 21, 1728. They were worthy people; — fruitful and 
prosperous in a strange land ; their descendants are nu- 
merous, — some of them are wealthy and henorable. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 153 

They had born unto them, six sons and four daughters'; 
t he danger being so great from the Indians tlieir first 
child was born in a garrison, on August 20, 1723 ; (six 
days after Kev. Mr. Willard and Dea. Stevens's chiklren 
were killed.) whom they named William ; Elizabeth, was 
born June 5, 1725; James, May 25, 1727; Trustrara, 
Aug. 28, 1728; Margaret, Dec. 20, 1731; Joseph, Nov 
22, 1733; Mary, June 6, 1735; John, Oct. 22, 1737; 
Samuel, Oct. 28, 1740; Martha, Nov. 21, 1744. 

Miirriages, S^c. William married Rebecca McFar- 
land, of Worcester; Elizabeth, William McFarland, of 
Worcester ; James, Rebekah Scott, of Leicester ; Mar- 
garet, William Tuffts of ^q\v Braintree ; Mary, Matthew 
Caldwell of Rutland District; John, Sarah Tuffts, of 
Brookfield ; Martha, David Bent of Rutland; Trustram 
and Samuel never married. 

Joseph settled in Brimfield, — was one of their Repre- 
sentatives to the General Court. Four sons settled in 
Dublin corner, had large farms, good houses, great barns, 
fine orchards, were in easy circumstances, and assisted in 
achieving the Independence of America. 

Mr. Browning was Proprietor of House Lot No. 53, 
and all its after divisons, — the whole he and his sons 
owned was about 800 acres. Mr. Browning died Feb. 3, 
1749. Widow Browning, on Nov. 23, 1752, was married 
to Andrew Oliphant, of Dedham, whom she outlived many 
years. She spent her last days with her daughter Bent, — 
and died aged about 90 years. Mrs. Oliphant was a 
pleasing and pious old lady. Sixty-six years after her 
first marriage, she cheerfully with her own hands paid her 
ministerial and other taxes. 

Malcam Ht:ndery and James Clark were Proprie- 
tors of House Lot No. 14. Mr. Hendery and his wife 
13 



154 HISTORY OF RU1LAND, 

Margaret were professors in Ireland, and were admitted 
as members of the church in Kutland. Mr. Hendery as- 
sisted in the ordination of Rev. Mr. Frink ; was for a 
short time an active and useful member of society, a Se- 
lectman in 1729. In 1728, he built a grist mill on Buck 
Brook ; his house and land were near the outlet of Cedar 
Swamp Pond. He died about 1730. His widow and son 
Andrew owned the mill for several years after his death. 

Andrew Hendery, on Jan. 22, 1736, married Susanna 
Watson, by whom he had the following children : Marga- 
ret, Jonas Buckingham, William, &.e. William married 
Susanna, danghter of Capt. John Phelps, by whom he had 
several children. Some of five generations of Henderys 
have lived in Rutland. 

Miss Sarah McCarter, a single woman, was the only 
female that was Proprietor of' lands in the six miles square. 
It is probable she was sister to Malcam Hendery's wife, 
as Mr. Hendery and Sarah McCarter had grants of land 
in common, North of Buck Brook, &c. On Dec. 10, 
1729, Jonas Buckingham was married to Sarah McCarter, 
being the second marriage solemnized by Rev. Mr. Frink. 

The Buckingham farm has been owned by the Henry 
family for many years. 

Mr. Edward Savage, and Mary his wife, brought let- 
ters testimonial of their church fellowship in Ireland, and 
in 1728, united with the church in Rutland. Mr. Savage 
was an early settler; he bought land pleasantly situated, 
and of a good quality. Southwest of Cedar Swamp Pond, 
originally granted to Samuel Ball. Mr. and Mrs. Savage 
had the following children : Mary, Edward, Sarah, Seth, 
Abraham, Isaac and Eunice. Seth married Lydia Craige 
in 1756, — settled in Princeton; Isaac in 1766, married 
Thankful, daughter of Mr. Nathan Stone, — settled on the 
home farm; Eunice, in 1771, was married to Elijah Stone. 



IIISTORT OF RUTLAND. 



165 



The desceiidunts of each of these are, some of them, inhab- 
itants of Rutland, to the sixth generation. 

The family of Crawfords were early and respectable 
settlers of that part of Rutland called Dublin: — several 
brought letters testimonial of their church fellowship in 
Ireland, and united with the church in Rutland. Late 
Capt. AVilliam Crawford, son of Alexander and Elizabeth 
Crawford, was born near Cedar Swamp Pond, Oct. 13, 
O. S. 1745, and in March, 1750, removed to Oakham, with 
his father. 

Capt. Wm. Crawford died June 30, 1833, aged 88 years. 

The family of Crawfords are numerous, and settled in 
various parts of America. Hon. William H. Crawford, 
formerly Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, 
and at his death. Judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia, 
was of the same family, as those who settled in Rutland. 

In 1731, May 20, John Lacore was married to Margaret 
Crawford ; in 1733, May 24, James Bell was married to 
J^^artha Crawford; in 1735, May 6, Samuel Crawford was 
married to Sarah Moor; in 1735, Dec. 4, John Moore was 
married to Rose Crawford; in 1745, April 15, William 
McCobb was married to Mary Crawford- Mr. McCobb 
lived near Buck Brook. Some of his descendants are now 
inhabitants of Rutland. 

Capt. John McClanatiiax, in the early settlement of 
Rutland, emigrated from Ireland in company with Edward 
Savage, John McMorrah and others. He bought and set- 
tled in that part of Rutland called Dublin, on House Lot 
No. 47, granted to Thomas How, Esq. Mr. McClanathan 
was a Capt. of the militia before the Revolution, and 
sustained other offices in the town. His family were re- 
spectable ; his wife was Martha Shaw, who came to 
America with him, and was mother of his children, who 
were married as follows: Mary, to Phillip Boyns, March, 



156 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

1772; Martha to Joseph Koapp, Dec. 1772; Elizabeth 
to James Rivers, 1778 ; John to Phebe Bent. Nov. 
1780 ; Sarah to Isaac Gooclspeed, March, 1782; Elea- 
nor to Lemuel Harrington, March, 1785 ; Thomas to 
Dorothy Dalrymple of Dudley, in 1781 ; William to 
Mary Crosby of Brookfield, in 1794. 

Col. John Murray. — John McMorrah, with his mother, 
in company with Edward Savage and his wife, John 
and Elizabeth McClanathan, Martha Shaw and others, 
sailed from Ireland, and arrived in America in the early 
settlement of Rutland. Mrs. McMorrah died on the 
passage. John, when he sat his foot on American shore, 
was not only moneyless, but in debt for his passage ; for a 
short time he tried manual labor, — but he was too lazy 
to work, and to beg ashamed ; finding a friend in his 
countryman, Andrew Ilendery, he commenced peddling, then 
kept a small store, and was afterwards a purchaser of cattle 
for the army. 

By enterprise, good fortune, and the assistance of 
friends, John McMorrah, from an indigent youth, became 
the most wealthy man that ever lived in Rutland. He 
owned lands from East of the» meeting-house to the bounds 
of Dublin and New Boston. John Morray after his arrival 
did not forget Elizabeth McClanathan, whom he sailed 
to America with, but made her his wife, by whom he 
had the following children: Alexander, Isabel, Elizabeth, 
Robert, John, Daniel, Samuel, Martha, second John, 
second Robert. Mrs. Morray died. Col. Murray, on 
Sept. 1, 1761, married Miss Lucretia Chandler of Boston, 
by whom he had one child, named Lucretia. Mrs. Mur- 
ray died. John Murray, Esq., on Dec. 31, 17G9, mar- 
ried Miss Deborah Brindley of Boston, by whom he had 
one daughterj named Deborah. The wives Col. Mur- 
ray buried in Rutland, he placed horizontally over their 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 157 

graves large handsome stones underpinned with brick, 
wliereou were engraved appropriate inscriptions. In the 
sickness of 17o{), he buried his first Robert and John. 
Mr. Murray bought and built on House Lot No. 3 ; being 
enterprising and prosperous, he became opulent and pop- 
ular — being a large landholder, had some tenants and 
many debtors. Oa Representative day all his friends that 
coukl ride, walk, creep or hobble were at the Polls. It 
was not his fault if they returned dry. He represented 
the town twenty years in succession, and held most of the 
oliiies in the power of the people or government to be- 
stow. After he had ascended the pinnacle of honor, he 
i33t his balance, and fell out of the- United States. Being 
appointed a Mandamus Counsellor so exasperated the 
populace, they arose ; —he having intelligence of their 
intended visit the night previous, by a back road left Rut- 
land for the last time. The lands that were so rapidly 
acquired, were in less time confiscated and sold. 

Col. Murray was a large fleshy man, when dressed in 
his regimentals, with his gold bound hat, &c., he made 
a superb appearance. Col Murray lived in style, — had 
black servants and white attendants. His high company 
from Boston, Worcester, &c., — -his office and parade, 
added to the popularity and splendor of the town. He 
promoted schools, and for several years gave twenty dol- 
lars yearly towards supporting a Latin Grammar School ; he 
also gave a Time Piece which was placed in front of the 
gallery, with these words on the case, " A Gift of John 
Murray, Esq." After Col. Murray became wealthy, and 
was promoted, he was arbitrary and haughty. Under a 
monarchy, there was a greater distinction and distance 
between those in office and power, than there is under a 
Republican Government. 
13^ 



158 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Alexander, the oldest son of Col. Murray, did not leave 
his town and. country with his family, but entered into the 
service, and was wounded in the defence of his country's 
rights, for which he drew a pension, and when his father's 
lands were sold by Government, one farm was reserved 
for him. Mr. Murray and his wife had three sons and 
two daughters. John was married to Lavina Morse, July, 
1790; Samuel to Sally Brown, April, 1798; Betsey to 
Isaac Wheeler, Jan. 29, 1804; Reuben lived with his 
father; the other daughter went to the State of Maine, — 
was married there. 

Mr. Daniel Bliss was son of Rev. Daniel Bliss, min- 
ister of Concord. Esq. Bliss came to Rutland and 
opened a lawyer's office in a house built by Col. Murray, 
(now owned by Dea. Mead,) and in 176G, married Isabel, 
daughter of Col. Murray, by whom he had three chil- 
dren v.'hile living at Rutland, one of which, John Murray 
Bliss, was born Feb. 22, 1771, who in 1834, died at St. 
Johns, N. B., Senior Judge of his Majesty's Supreme 
Court. Elizabeth Murray, on Oct. 27, 1768, was mar- 
ried to Mr. Joshua Upham of Brooktield. Daniel and 
Samuel had a collegiate education. 

Mr. John Smith of Worcester, on Dec. 12, 1754, 
married Elizabeth Dickee of Rutland ; bought land in 
Dublin corner laid out to Duncan McFarland, where he 
.and his wife had several children ; Mary, married Jedu- 
Xhan Tower, in 1786; David, Rebekah Smith, in 1783. 
Mr. Smith many } ears past left this town. 

Mr. John Boice bought land in Dublin, originally laid 
•i)ut to \\ illiam Fenton, on which he lived many years. 
Mr. Boice, on April 7, 1763, married Martha Dickee, by 
whom he had two sons and three daughters, who were 
married as follows : Patty to Reuben Smith of Paxton, 
JS'ov. 26, 1789; Thomas to Patty Read, Feb. 18, 1790; 



HISTOia' OF RUTLAND. 159 

Jane, to Elijah Stearns, June 25, 171)5; Isabel to Da- 
rius Bent, March 9, 171)7; John to Polly Bond. Mr. 
Boice's descendants are settled in the U. S. and in Canada. 
Cornet Dani;-:!. Estabrook, and his wife Hannah, 
were from Sudl)ury. JNIr. Estabrook in the early settle- 
ment of Rutland bought land laid out on Worcester mead- 
ow hill in 1723, for Samuel Goodenow to his right of 
House Lot No. 40. When he began to fell the trees, it 
was dan<xerons o'oinix from his boardinfr house to his work 
without his gun, not only on account of danger from In- 
dians, but of bears and wolves. Mr. Estabrook and 
his wife were respectable and industrious people, — and 
for many years they and tlieir offspring have possessed the 
soil; a grandson aged 67 is its present owner, Mr. and 
Mrs. Estabrook were parents of the following children : 
Daniel, born in 1737; Thaddeus, 1740; Hannah, 1741; 
second Daniel, 1743; Abigail, 1745 ; second Thaddeus 
1748; Benjamin, 1750; John, 1752; Anne, 1754; 
Elizabeth, 1758. 

Daniel Estabrook, jun'r, in April, 1766, married Persis, 
daughter of Mr. Plezekiah Newton of Paxton, by whom 
he had Daniel, born in 1767; Jedediah, 1768; Jonah, 
1770; Samuel, 1772; Silas, 1774; Persis, 1776; Sophia. 

Thaddeus Estabrook married Sarah, daughter of Capt. 
Ross Wyman of Shrewsbury, by whom he had two daugh- 
ters, named Susanna and Sally. Mrs. Estabrook died. 
Mr. Estabrook married for his second wife, Deliverance, 
daughter of Mr. Ebenezer and Mrs. Deliverance Hunt, 
dauohter of Mr. Jaazaniah and Mrs. Deliverance Newton, 
of that part of Rutland that is now Paxton. There has 
six generations of this family lived in Rutland. The de- 
scendants of Daniel Estabrook, sen'r, are very numerous, 
several of whom are now inhabitants of Rutland. 

Mr. Samuel Estabrook, and his wife, Abigail, had two 



160 HISTORY OF RUTLAND, 

sons and one daughter: Lucy, born in 1739; Jedediali, 
1740; Samuel, 1742. Jedediali had a collegiate educa- 
tion. Mr. P^stabrook owned land near his brother, which 
he sold, — removed to Princeton, and lived on one of 
Judge Gill's farms. 

Capt. David Bknt bought and lived on land laid out 
to Peter Moore, Easterly of Turkey Hill Pond, to the right 
of House Lot No. 7. Mr. Bent was an active and useful 
citizen, — sustained many offices, as Captain of the Alarm 
men and militia, in the time of the Revolution, in which 
office he frequently took an active part. 

Capt. Bent, and his wife Lucy, had the following chil- 
dren, Micah, born in 1751; John, 1754; David, 1756; 
Lucy, 1758; Peter, 1760; Phebe, 1763; Rufus, 1766; 
Darius, 1769; Thaddeus, 1771; Phinehas, 1776. Peter 
Bent, junior, was a soldier of the Revolution. Capt. 
Bent, on Oct. 2, 1783, married Martha Browning for his 
second wife, by whom he had one son who was named 
Samuel Browning. Capt. Bent's descendants are many, — 
settled in various parts of the United States and in the 
British Dominions. 

Mil. Patrick Gregory, and his wife IMary, lived at the 
North end of Long Pond on House Lot No. 39, originally 
granted to Thos. Wheeler. Mr. Gregory some eighty years 
ao-o, being in Boston on business, a female appearing to 
be travelling the same way he was, asked him if he would 
be so good as to carry her bundle a little way ; as a kind 
hearted man he consented, — he had not gone far before 
his female company was missing ; he opened his budget 
to see what he had in trust, when, behold ! a mulatto child 
with tears in its eyes looked him in the face ; he had pity 
on it, brought it home with him, and as he had no children, 
it was brought up tenderly, and received the name of Isaac 
Gregory. Isaac, when he became a man, was frequently 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 161 

in the luills of the merry and gay,— and in 179G, was mar- 
ried to Olive Clark of llubbardston ; some of their descend- 
ants are with us. 

JSIk. Samuel Hills, and his wife Abigail, were of the 
first settlers of Rutland ; they lived west of Long Meadow 
Brook, near the ford way ; although they did not possess 
the best land, they were blest with children, to whom they 
irave the followinjj names : Samuel and Abigail, twins, born 
June, 1726; Nathaniel, April, 1728 ; Sarah, 1729; Mary, 
1731; Euth, 1733; Elizabeth, 1736. The farm is now 
pasture and woodland. 

Mk. Samuel Brittan, with his wife, their sons, William 
and Samuel, with their wives and children, lived on and 
ov/ned the farm, mills, &c., adjoining the road to Barre,' 
at the falls of Long Meadow Brook, before, and at the time 
of the Revolution ; they were respectable people and good 
citizens. Mrs. Brittan, though a large woman, when called 
upon in sickness, whether by day or night, would mount 
her horse and ride full speed to their assistance ; there are 
a few of their descendants of the fifth generation now living 
in Rutland. 

Lieut. Joseph Wood from Charlestown, was of the same 
family of Joseph Wood, (no doubt) who was killed by the 
Indians, August 3d, 1724. Mr. Wood married a daugh- 
ter of Col. Pond of Dedham, and settled on Birch Hill, on 
land originally laid out to Joseph Wood's heirs in 1729, 
to right of House Lot No. 21. Mr. and Mrs. Wood had 
a son named Joseph. Mrs. Wood died. Mr. Wood mar- 
ried for his second wife, Sarah Robbins, who lived but a 
short time. On June 8, 17*77, he married for his third 
wife. Widow Dorothy Stone, by whom he had Polly, born 
March, 1778 ; Joshua Bracket, 1779 ; Samuel King, 
1781 ; Dolly, 1784. Mrs. Wood died. Lieut. Wood 
mariied in 1790, for his fourth wife. Widow Abigail Cut- 



162 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

ting of Worcester. Lieut. Wood was in the eight months 
service at Cambridge in 1775. Mr. Thomas Wood, having 
his house burnt at Charlestown, removed to Rutland, and 
for several years lived on his farm at Birch Hill. 

Lieut. Joseph Blake with his family, from Ilardwick, 
removed to Rutland, where for a few years he traded in 
European and West India Goods ; whilst at Rutland he 
built the house now owned by Capt. Jonas Brown. Mr. 
and Mrs. Blake had born at Rutland, Charles in 1771 ; 
Francis, 1773; Joshua, 1776. Mr. Blake removed from 
Rutland to Hingham. 

William Caldwell, Esq., in 1778, married IMiss 
Charlotte Blake of Hingham, by whom he had the follow- 
ing children: William Blake, born Oct. 1779; Harriet 
Debby, July, 1782; Joseph Blake, 1784; Charlotte 
Blake, 1786 ; Guy, 1788. Esq. Caldwell owned the 
house built by Mr. Blake, where he lived while at Rut- 
land ; was an active and useful citizen, and a respectable 
Attorney. When he was appointed Sheriff, he with his 
family removed to Worcester. 

Francis Blake, Esq., at the removal of Esq. Cald- 
w^ell, settled and practiced law at the same stand, until his 
removal to Worcester. Mr. Blake was in 1794, married 
to Miss Eliza Augusta Chandler of Lancaster, by whom 
he had the following children at Rutland : Francis, Julian- 
na, and Joseph Gardner. His public character is known. 

Mr. Absalom Cutting, and his wife Keziah, lived on 
House Lot No. 15 ; they were parents of Gershom, Ab- 
igail, Jonah, Darius and Esther. Mr. Cutting was a shoe- 
maker by occupation. He died April 11, 1767. Mrs. 
Cutting survived her husband several years ; being an ac- 
tive and industrious woman, she for several years in the 
Revolution took care of the meetinii^-house. Abiijail mar- 
ried Edmund Rice, Sept. 30, 1784 ; Esther, Capt. James 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 163 

INIcFailand of Worcester, Feb, 24, 1807. The sons left 
Kutland before marriage. 

Capt. John Cunningham was, on June 4th, 1773, mar- 
ried to Priscilhx Taber of Tiverton, Rhode Lshmd. He 
bought, and for several years lived on land originally laid 
out to Capt. Thomas Smith. Capt. Cunningham was an 
active man, and un officer af the Revolution. Several 
years past he removed to Ilubbardston. 

Mr. James Cunningham in 1768, married Mary Tuffts 
of Brookfield ; bought a farm owned by William Black, 
bounded on Barre and Oakham, originally laid out to Jonas 
Clark, Esq., and Alexander Crawford. Mr. Cunningham 
having no children, his widow gave the farm to William 
Smith, to support her through life, &c. It is now owned by 
Capt. Henry Brigham. 

LiKUT. Jamp:s Blair bought and settled on land Wester- 
ly of Turkey Hill Pond, originally laid out to John Clark, 
Rev. Mr. Frink and others. Mr. Blair was an active and 
useful citizen, before and in the Revolution. James Blair, 
jun'r, in 1778, married Martha, daughter of Esq. Young of 
Worcester. John Blair, in 1780, married Eunice, daughter 
of Capt. Nathan Harrington of Holden. 

Mr. Ebenezer Metcalp was an early and respectable 
settler ; he bought land and lived West of Ball's Spring ; 
he and his wife Margaret had the following children : 
Ebenezer, born in 1734 ; Seth, 1736 ; Esther, 1737 ; Sam- 
uel, 1739 ; Mary, 1741-2. 

Mr. Joseph Hall was a carpenter by trade, he bought 
and settled on land East of Grass Hill ; his wife was 
Hannah, daughter of Dea. Ephraim Davis, by whom he 
had the following children : Elizabeth, born Sept., 1759 ; 
Ephraim, Sept., 1761 ; Hannah, August, 1767 ; Aaron, 
July, 1770 ; Joseph, 1773 ; Silas, Nov., 1774 ; Susanna, 
1777. Mr. Hall removed from Rutland several years past. 



164 HISTORY OF IIUILAND. 

Mr. Ei'HRAiM Allen owned the mill built by the Hen- 
derys on Buck Brook, since owned by Joseph Tower and 
others. lie in 1757, married Widow Iluldah Chesnutt of 
Shrewsbury, by whom he had Elijah, born in 1758 ; Han- 
nah, 1760 ; Abner, 17G7 ; Cynthia, 1770 ; Huldah, 1772 ; 
Samuel, 1777. 

At the time, it was the practice for the Deacons to read 
the Psalms and Hymns, line by line, and the singers to sit 
scattered over the meetin.i^-house. Mr. Allen, having the 
gift of a strong and musical voice, was appointed Choiister, 
and seated in the front gallery, where he led in the Sacred 
Psalmody of the Sanctuary. 

ENTERPRIZE. 

Although Rutland cannot boast of her men of ffreat 
wealth, magnificent buildings or large factories, yet, many 
of her citizens are in easy circumstances, and but few 
that lack the comforts of life. Before and since the Rev- 
olution, some families, and many of her sons and daugh- 
ters have been enterprizing, learned or wealthy, — have 
left their native place, settled in various parts of the Unit- 
ed States, — in the British Dominions, — traversed the 
Ocean, — filled seats in the Pulpit, — at the Bar and in 
the Senate. 

Caleb Sprague Henry, (before omitted.) son of Silas 
and Phebe Henry, born August 2, 1804, received a colle- 
giate education at Dartmouth, and settled in the ministry. 

Mary Rice, daughter of Benjamin and Betsey Rice, 
born Oct. 31, 1802, is now many hundred miles distant 
from her native place, in aiding and assisting the Mission- 
aries among the Indians. 

The following families in and about 1790, emigrated and 
settled in Ohio ; of each of which in this place I give a 
brief sketch. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. l€5 

G!i>fKiiAL RuFUS Putnam was boru in Sutton, by oc- 
cupation a mill-wriolit, settled in Brooklield ; in the year 
1782, having purchased one of Col. iMnrray's confiscated 
fiu-ms, removed his family to Rutland, and while in the 
army gave general directions as to the management of it. 

General Putnam was a valuable officer in the American 
Revolution ^ of a solid and penetrating genius; one 
wiiose judgment and plans, his fellow officers valued and 
reMed on. 

At the close of the war. General Putnam returned to 
his beloved, well regulated and religious family. The lit-- 
tie time he was at Rutland, he was active and useful, — of>- 
ficiated as constable, collector, selectman and representa- 
tive to the Genci-al Court ; w^ith others as a committee in 
1786, was chosen to ascertain and report a proper number 
and arrangement of school plots in Rutland, which service 
they performed, and made very particular and accurate 
bounds and descriptions of the number recommended. 

Gen. Putnam, in 1784, gave £100 to Leicester Acad- 
emy, — ' was chosen one of its first Trustees. 1787, 
he was appointed by Congress one of the Surveyors to 
lay out the Western Territory ; was one of the Commit- 
tee on the sale of Eastern Lands, a Justice of the Peace, 
and of the Quorum ; was one of the first and principal set- 
tlers and characters that commenced the settlement of 
Ohio. 

At this timo the roads from New England to Ohio were 
circuitous, and for a part of the way new, and uncomfort- 
able to travel over ; — no stage or steamboat to facilitate 
the passage, or railroad to fly on, but ox-wagons fitted 
to convey the families, and some of the most valuable furn- 
iture and provisions. 
U 



166 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

The emigrants bid farewell to their natire town, pleas- 
ant homes, kind friends, &c., some on foot, some in wag- 
ons, — and some of the most feeble and delicate, for a 
change on horseback. The journey was not for a few 
days, but for several weeks or months ; and they could not, 
after a long and fatiguing journey, anticipate at its end 
to meet at a civilized settlement, kind friends to greet and 
welcome them, but an uncultivated and vast wilderness, 
inhabited by ravenous beasts and cruel Indians. 

General Putnam^s family were himself, bis wife Persis, 
their children, Elizabeth, Persis, Abigail, Susanna, William 
Rufus, Edwin, Katy, Patty, and his domestics. 

Col. Silas Bent, with his wife Mary, and son, Silas, 
came from Rutland District about the year 176', — bought 
land originally granted to Hon, Thomas Fitch, Esq., (now 
owned by Mr. Joel Holdeo, and Joel Holden, jun'r.) Af- 
ter their removal to Rutland, they had born, Molly, Susanna, 
Abigail, Persis, Nahum, second Nahum, Abner, Dorcas, 
Daniel and Charlotte. Abigail and Nahum died in infancy. 
Molly was, on Feb. 12, 1789, married to George Smith. 

Col. Bent, with his wife and their children, set out with 
an ox-wagon for Ohio. They had the painful trial of bury- 
ing one of their children by the way ; the others arrived 
safe and took a part in peopling Ohio. Col. Bent and 
his family were respectable. He took a part in achieving 
our Independence. 

Majok NArHAN GoODALL was, on Nov. 28, 1765, mar- 
ried to Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. John Phelps, by whom 
he had before they left Rutland, Sarah, born in 1706; 
Samuel, 1768: Timothy Wares, 1770. Samuel died young. 

Major Goodall was an officer of the Revolution. He 
and his family, with others emigrated to Ohio, where it 
was supposed he was killed by the Indians, when out in the 
woods. 



4 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



167 



Cjlpt, Bknjamin Miles, son of Capt. Benjamin Miks 
and Marj'^, his wife, was born Marcli 11, 1754, — was oa 
Nov. 12, 1780, married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Rev. 
Joseph and Mrs, Lucy Buckminster, who was born April 
13, 17o(3, by whom he had born at Rutland, Joseph Buck- 
m.inster and Benjamin Hubbard, (twins,) June 21, 1781 ; 
Janaes Lanmun, 1783 ; Lucy Williams, 1785 ; William 
Moore, 178G; Mary Prescott, 1789. Capt. Miles and his 
wife were members of the church, and dedicated their 
children in baptism. 

Capt. Miles and his wife, with their young children, in 
the ye-jii' 1790, bid farewell to parents and friends, and in 
an ox wagon made their journey to Ohio ; arrived safe, 
and after suffering many dangers and deprivations, became 
wealthy, respectable and happy. 

Ensign Christopher Bdrmngame set up the hatting 
business in Rutland. His address was such, he won the 
heart and hand of Susanna, daughter of General Putnam, 
whom he on Dec. 13, 1787, married, and by whom before 
they left Rutland he had two children, baptized by the 
names of Persis Maria and Susanna, who in company with 
General Putnam, in like manner and success, arrived and 
settled in Ohio. 

Mr. William Brow^ning, son of Lieut. William Brown- 
ing, emigrated to Ohio, and married Abigail, daughter of 
Gen. Putnam, — settled and became a citizen of Ohio. 

Jonas, son of Mr. Daniel Davis, born March 6, 1762, 
went in company and as an assistant in their journey, was 
thought to have been killed by the Lidians. 

Ezra Phillips went in company and as an assistant to 
Capt. Miles. 

Mr. Israel Stone, son of John Stone, Esq., and Eliz- 
abeth his wife, was born on that part of Muschopauge 
farm now owned by Luke Baker, April 15, 1749, and on 



168 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

July 12, 17G8, was married to Lydia Barret, daugliter of 
Stephen and Elizabeth Barret, who was born on Walnut 
Hill, (now a part of Paxton,) May 24, 1751, by whom he 
had the following children, who were dedicated in bapUsm, 
and called by the following names : Sardene, Elizabeth, 
Matilda, Jasper, Lydia, Israel, Augustus, Franklin, Chris- 
topher Columbus and Polly Bnckley. 

Although Mr. Stone and his family were industrious 
and of good abilities, yet, by a combination of causes, he 
become straitened in circumstances. But he and his wife 
and children had the enterprise, resolution and fortitude, 
without property, and nothing to rely upon but a kind provi- 
dence, good friends, and their own energy, to emigrate to 
Ohio, where they arrived safe. It might with propriety 
be said, if they had not wealth, they were a valuable acqui- 
sition to the new State. Israel, the son, was drowned in the 
Ohio river. Mrs. Stone died a few years after their arrival. 
Mr. Stone married for his second wife a woman from Eng- 
land. They are also dead. Their descendants are many, 
some of whom are wealthy, learned and respectable. 

The number that emigrated from Rutland to Marie'tta 
and its vicinity, were about fifty souls. 



PENSIONERS. 

The following belonging to, or that went from Rutland, 
are^some of the soldiers that are now enjoying a Pension 
from Government for services performed in the Revolution- 
ary War. Jonas Stone, aged 84 ; Hezekiah Newton, 82 ; 
Israel Skinner, 82; John Powers, 81 ; Abraham Hagar, 81 ; 
Joel Hubbard, 78 ; Tilly Flint, 77 ; Benjamin Mead, 77 ; 
Nathan Reed, 75 ; Isaac Briaut, 75 ; Adonijah Bartlett, 
75 ; Abiah Rice, 75; Noah Harrington, 72; Lieut. Samuel 
Frink, 72. 



SUPPLEMENT 



EEED'S HISTORY OF RUTLAND, 



1836 TO 1879. 



By DANIEL BARTLETT. 



14* 



TO THE MEMORY OF 

Dea. JONAS KEED, 

AK OLD AND VALUED CITIZEN,— THE AUTHOR AND 
COMPILER OF 

« REED'S HISTORY OF RUTLAND," 
Born April 21, 1759, .... Died June 2, 1839, 
This Supplement to his History- 
Is respectfully inscribed by 

THE AUTHOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The number of copies of " Reed's History of Rutland," 
having become "small by degrees and beautifully less," your 
humble servant has procured a reprint of the same, and has 
added such facts and incidents relating to our history as have 
occurred since 1836. A gifted writer has said, "Town his- 
tories are both interesting and instructive to the readers of 
today, and in the future their value will be in the ratio of 
their age ; they are the little rills that feed the great river of 
National History," — a truism, when applied to works like 
Reed's. Our object is more to supply the long felt want for 
his history, than to append anything of value to it. Many 
things have necessarily been omitted in the Supplement that 
should have been noticed, while some have been inserted 
that ought perhaps to have been omitted. 

When we say that we in no sense claim to be a historian, 
we trust that the critic's occupation, like Othelo's, will be 
gone. Much space has been given to the records of our 
soldiers. We feel that justice demands that the names of 
those who sought to establish our independence, and those 
who sought to maintain it, should stand enrolled upon the 
brightest page of our history. 



172 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

We have followed as far as convenient the phin adopted 
by Reed, and to which frequent reference is made. While 
we do not aim, or expect, to add lustre to his work, we in- 
tend that it shall not be tarnished by any effort of ours. 

To such as have aided and encouraged us, we tender many 
thanks. 

In the language of our "illustrious predecessor," we 
would say, " if these pages should be of any assistance to 
the future historian, and their perusal be as pleasing to the 
reader as the collection of the facts has been perplexing to 
the author, his labor has not been useless." 

D. B. 

Rutland, Jan., 1879. 



SUPPLEMENT, 



CEMETERIES. 

In 1743, the Grand Committee laid out and gave to the 
town ten acres of hind north of where the first, and also the 
second church stood, (the former built in 1720, the latter in 
1759,) a portion of this (about four acres,) was enclosed 
for a public burying ground. Several headstones, dating as 
far back as the time of its first location, can be seen, still in 
a good state of preservation. (The Worcester Society of 
Antiquity will in due time publish a full record of the 
same.) This ground was used for the purpose of burials 
until 1842, when a new spot was selected, situated about 
half a mile east of the Center, opposite the residence of 
O. C. Fairbank, (formerly owned by W. Flagg.) 

June 30, 1842, C. G. Howe and sixteen others formed 
themselves into a corporation, under the authority granted 
by the General Statute, chap. 67, with the title of the 
" Rural Cemetery Association of Rutland." The first pur- 
chase of land contained three acres and eighty-six rods ; a 
subsequent purchase was made of two acres and forty rods, 
in all about five and three-fourths acres. Roads were built, 
lots located, and the ground publicly consecrated, Oct. 8, 
1842. Consecrating address by Rev. Josiah Clark, aided in 
the other exercises by Rev. Mr. Ainsworth and Rev. Mr. 
Phipps of Paxton. 



174 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

About three hundred lots have been sold and fitted up, 
and the many appropriate monuments, tablets, and head- 
stones evince that the living honor the memory of the de- 
parted. 

That part of the town known as New Boston has a burial 
place, though somewhat ancient, which is still kept in good 
order, and used for the purpose designed. 

West Rutland has a small and very neat cemetery. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

It can hardly be said that there ever was more than one 
permanent religious organization in the town. The first 
settlers were men of strong religious sentiments, and early 
took measures to have an established ministry. As early as 
1721, which was prior to the act of incorporation, they 
selected Rev. Joseph Willard to be their spiritual teacher. 
Mr. Willard being killed b}' the Indians a few days previous 
to the time assigned for his installation, (1723), the town 
remained without a settled pastor till the ordination of 
Thomas Frink, Nov. 1, 1727. During Mr. Frink's minis- 
try, there was a strong Presbyterian element in the town, 
and those who held to the tenets of that denomination with- 
drew, which act caused Mr. Frink to tender his resignation, 
which was accepted by the town, Sept. 8, 1740. From the 
settlement of his successor, Mr. Buckminster, in 1742, up to 
the present time, the church has been under the control of 
the Orthodox Congregationalists. The church edifice which 
was burned in 1830 was owned, as were all previous ones, 
by the town ; since that time they have been built and owned 
by the First Congregational Society. 

Soon after the burning of the old church, there was an 
effort made to organize a Universalist Society, but it failed, 
though they had preaching at intervals for a year or two. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 175 

About 1840, the Metliodists began to hold meetings. 
They soon formed a church and society, and held stated 
preaching at the Town Hall till 1844, at which time they 
built a house of worship. The society for several years was 
in a flourishing condition. In time many of its ablest mem- 
bers were removed by death or had left town, and those re- 
maining feeling unable, or unwilling to support preaching, 
allowed the chuich and society to die out. The house some 
years since passed into private hands. 

A few years ago the Catholics held meetings occasionally 
in the west part of the town. Churches having been or- 
ganized in neighboring towns by which they were accom- 
modated, they have held but few meetings of late. 

The Adventists have an established church and society at 
North Rutland, where they have regular preaching in the 
chapel built by said society about four years since. 

* ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.— Page 93. 

Rev. Josiah Clark died July 11, 1815, aged 60 years. 

Rev. Daniel R. Cady, ordained Oct. 29, 1845, dismissed 
Oct. 11, 1849. 

Rev. George E. Fisher, ordained Feb. 27, 1850, dismissed 
May 13, 1852. 

Rev. David Burt, installed Jan. 10, 1856, dismissed Feb. 
25, 1858. 

Rev. Clarendon Waite, ordained Feb. 25, 1858, dismissed 
March 13, 1866. 

Rev. Henry Cummings, installed Sept. 5, 1866, dismissed 
July 1, 1874. 

Rev. George E. Dodge, installed Dec. 27, 1877. 

Though there have been long intervals that the society 
has been destitute of a settled minister, yet there have been 



176 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



but few Sabbaths since the organization of the church, but 
what there have been stated services, mostly by able clergy- 
men employed by the year. The present church edifice was 
built in 1849, and dedicated Feb. 27, 1850. 

dp:acons of the church, and when 

CHOSEN.— Continued, Page d3. 

Joseph Marsh, Sept. 4, 1840. 
Joseph Miles, Dec. 4, 1842. 
Abram H. Temple, Oct. 6, 1850. 
Kufus B. Miles, Oct. 6, 1850. 
Granville Hadley, Jan. 1, 1879. 
Charles R. Bartlett, Jan. 1, 1879. 

THE MUSTER ROLL 

Of thp: Company of Minute Men, co:\imanded by Capt. 

Thomas Eustis, which marched from Rutland 

TO Cambridge, April 19, 1775. Paire 61. 



Capt. Thomas Eustis, 
1st Lieut. John Stone, 
2d Lieut. Elijah Sterns, 
Sergt. Sam'l Browning, 
Sergt. Timothy Medcalf, 
Sergt. Isaac Wheeler. 
Private Solomon Munro, 
Asa Church, 
Aaron Phelps, 
Caleb Clap, 
Joshua Clap, 
David How, 
Luther Stevens, 



Private John Cunningham, 
James Williams, 
Joseph Wood, 
Benj. Munro, 
Asa Davis, 
Jed u than Stone, 
Ej)hraim Curtis, 
Israel Stone, 
Wm. Smith, 
Silas Bent, 
Thomas Ball, 
John Bruce, 
Benj. Estabrook, 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



177 



Benj. Reed, Jr. 
John Davis, 
Abraham Wheeler, 
Jonas Walker, 
Robert Miinro, 
Benj. Miles, Jr. 
Hugh Smith, 
Michar How, 
Joseph Wright, 
Seth Duncan, 
William Brittan, 



Jonas Barmen ter, 
Moses Baxter, 
Jonas Smith, 
Joseph Kin^, 
Simon Bhelps, 
Matthias How, 
David Underwood, 
Eli Clark, 
Elijah Stone, 
Samuel Moor, 
James Smith. 



The above is taken from the original Roll now in the of- 
fice of the Secretary of State. Reed gives the number as 
fifty. He also gives the name of William Bridge as the 
third in command. 

LIST OF ''ALARM MEN" OF 1775. Page 62. 



Joseph Buckminster, 
Joseph Blake, 
James Blair, 
Samuel Brittain, 
John B riant, 
Daniel Bartlett, 
Joseph Bartlett, 
Gideon Brown, 
James Cunningham, 
Edward Clark, 
Samuel Cowden, 
Peter Davis, 
Ephraim Davis, 
Nathan Davis, 
Daniel Davis, 
15 



Daniel Murrey, 
John McClanthan, 
Moses Maynard, 
Jeduthan Moor, 
William McCobb, 
Josua Nurse, 
George Oak, 
John Phelps, 
John Rice, 
Benjamin Reed, 
Jonas Reed, 
Robert Rozer, 
John Stone, 
Samuel Stone, 
Samuel Stone, 2d, 



178 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Ebenezali Foster, Daniel Saunders, 

Robert Forbes, George Smith, 

John Frink, James Smith, 

Ebenezah Frost, Isaac Savage, 

Thomas Flint, Samuel Stratton, 

John Fessenden, John Stratton, 

Zach's Gates, John Williams, 

John Hucker, James Wheeler, 

James Henderson, John Watson, 

Ephraim Hubbard, Francis Maynard, 

Matthias Howe, Jonathan Whiting, 

Simon Heald, Simon Stone, 

Samuel Jones, Jason Reed, 

Nath'l Munro, Daniel Estabrook, 

Paul Moor, Samuel Ames. 
. The original can be seen at the Clerk's Office. 

MEMBERS OF CAPT. RALPH EARLE'S CO. 
Enlisted Aug. 29, 1777, for 4 Months. 

Isaac Smith, Samuel Dunlap, 

John Fessenden, John Davis, 

David Smith, Eliakim Davis, 

Levi Brown, James Forbes, 

John Forbes, Jonas Flint, 

George Smith, Alpheus Davis. 

Abiathar Childs, 

Copy taken from the office of the Secretary of State. 

The following is a record of the time, place of decease, 
and age of a portion of the soldiers of the Revolution. 

Where no place is mentioned it will be understood as 
Rutland. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND, 179 

Daniel Adams died Dec. 17, 1832, aged 81. 

Samuel Browning died Oct. 3, 1783, aged 43. 

William Brid<re died Feb. 9, 1804, ai^ed 64. 

Isaac Briant died June 4, 1836, aged 74. 

Adonijah Bartlett died March 15, 1841, aged 80. 

Oliver ChickeriniT died Feb. 26, 1831, a^ed 80. 

Abiathar Cliilds died Oct. 1, 1833, aged 83. 

James Cowdeu died Feb. 11, 1847, aged 93. 

Asa Church died Feb. 15, 1809. 

Died in Hubbardston. 

Daniel Estabrook died Sept. 11, 1816, aged 75. 

John Fessenden died April 2, 1793, aged 63. 

John Forbes died Feb. 10, 1813, aged 53. 

Jonas Flint died July 20, 1849, aged 89. 

Died in Antrim, N. H. 

Jacob Fiske died Feb. 13, 1848, aged 85. 

Robert Forbes died Feb. 17, 1799, aged 58. 

Samuel Frink died March 30, 1846. aged 81. 

Died in Paxtan. 

Tilly Flint died Feb. 23, 1842, aged 83. 

Zadock Gates died Dec. 14, 1821, aged 61. 

Jeduthan Green died June 21, 1819, aged 74. 

Noah Harrington died July 28, 1845, aged 80. 

Died in Barre. 

Joel Hubbard died Jan. 9, 1853, aged 94. 

Abram Hager died Sept. 29, 1847, aged 92. 

Enlisted from Shrewsbury. 

Joseph King died Sept. 25, 1807, aged 55. 

Nathaniel Loughton died Oct. 28, 1776, aged 29. 

Killed at White Plains. 

Benjamin Meade died March 16, 1852, aged 92. 

Willard Moore died June 17, 1775, ai^ed 32. 

Killed at Bunker Hill. 

Timothy Munroe died Feb, 7, 1836, aged 89. 

Died in Princeton. 

Benj. Miles died Jan. 28, 1776, aged 52. 



180 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Eenj. Munroe died March 17, 1797, aged 42. 

Timothy Metcalf died Jan. 26, 1820. 

Hezekiah Newton died June 6, 1844, aged 92. 

Jonas Paimenter died Sept. 6, 1813, aged 69. 

Abel Parmenter died April 12, 1834, aged 78. 

John Powers died June 24, 1842, aged 87. 

John Rice dieil July 10, 1820, aged 74. 

Nathan Reed died June 10, 1850, aged 89. 

Died in Koyalston. 

Benj. Reed, Jr., died June 17, 1775, aged 2S. 

Killed at Bunker Hill. 

Josiah Rice died Oct. 30, 1830 aged 72. 

Jonas Stone died Sept. 23, 1846, aged 92. 

Samuel Stone, Jr., died Dec. 10, 1775, aged 40. 

George Smith died March 30, 1799, aged 73. 

Israel Skinner died May 14, 1837, aged 82. 

Abraham Wheeler died July 20, 1817, aged 71. 

Phineas Walker died Oct. 16, 1792, aged 70. 

Daniel Walker died April 20, 1850, aged 90. 

It is a fact worthy of notice that the average age of the 
thirty-six who returned from the war, and whose age is 
given "at the time of their death, is a trifle over eighty-seven 
years and five months. 

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION FROM 
RUTLAND. 

Adams, Daniel Brittain, William 

Bartlett, Adonijah Bent, Silas 

Briant, Isaac Ball, Thomas 

Bridge, William Bruce, John 

Bent, Peter, Jr. Baxter, Moses 

Briant, John Brown, Levi 

Brownino;, Samuel Chickering, Oliver 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



Cowden, James 
Cliiirch, Asa 
Clap, Caleb 
Clap, »]k)shua 
Cunningham, John 
Curtis, Ephraim 
Clark, Eli 
Clark, George 
Childs, Abiathar 
Dunlap, Samuel 
Davis, John 
Davis, Eliakim 
Davis, Alpheus 
Duncan, Seth 
Davis, Asa 
Eustis, Thomas 
Estabrook, Daniel 
Estabrook, Benj'n 
Fessenden, John 
Forbes, John 
Forbes, James 
Forbes, Robert 
Flint, Jonas 
Flint, Tilly 
Frink, Samuel 
Fisk, Jacob 
Green, Jeduthan 
Gates, Zadock 
Goodale, Nathan 
Hubbard, Joel 
Ilagar, Abram 
Harrington, Noah 
Henderson, Daniel 

15* 



Huckingson, Jesse 
Howe, David 
Howe, Michar 
Howe, Matthias 
Johnson, Luther 
Johnson, Delitha 
King, Joseph 
Laughton, Nath'l 
Meade, Benjamin 
Moor, Willard 
Monroe, Timothy 
Munroe, Solomon 
Munroe Robert, 
Munroe, Benjamin 
Murray, Alexandra 
Medcalf, Timothy 
Miles, Benjamin 
Moor, Samuel 
Newton, Hezekiah 
Powers, John 
Pollard, Jonathan 
Phelps, Aaron 
Parmenter, Abel 
Parmenter, Jonas 
Reed, Benjamin, Jr. 
Reed, Nathan 
Rice, Abiah 
Rice, John 
Rice, Josiah 
Stone, Jonas, 
Stone, Samuel, Jr. 
Stone, John 
Skinner, Israel 



182 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Smith, George Smith, Isaac 

Smith, Enoch Smith, David 

Stearns, Elijah Underwood, David 

Stearns. John Walker, Phineas « 

Steavens, Luther Walker, Jonas 

Smith, Hugh AValker, Daniel 

Stone, Jeduthan Wheeler, Abraham 

Stone, Israel Wheeler, Isaac 

Smith, William AYright, Joseph 

Smith, Jonas Williams, James 

Smith, James Wood, Joseph 

Stone, Elijah 

The compiler has devoted more time in obtaining a record 
of the old soldiers than in all other records combined. They 
have been obtained from almost as many sources as there 
were soldiers, and yet we believe the record to be correct. 
At the close of the war, or soon after, very many of them 
left town and all trace of them has been lost. 

It is a singular fact and one to be regretted, that no record 
can be found of some who ever after the war lived and died 
in town. Nearly all of the last survivors, and whose ages 
are given, received pensions from the government. It is to 
be hoped that further records may yet be obtained. 

WAR OF 1$12— 15. 

In this war, the town furnished but very few men — the 
■exact number or names not recorded. Only one of the old 
soldiers survives, Mr. Reuben Glazier, over 80 years of age, 
and a recipient of a government pension. 

WAR WITH MEXICO. 

Most, if not all, the soldiers of the town in this war be- 
-lonored to the famous " Home Guard." 

o 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 3 83 

It would appear that the worthy Deacon's liistorical rake 
was a little faulty, or he would have made a note of the 
following case of 

MURDER. 

The first murder committed in the county, (unless we in- 
clude the killing by the Indians.) was within the limits of 
Rutland. The victim was one Daniel Campbell born in Scot- 
land in 1606, and came to this country in 1716. The crime 
was committed in March, 1744, upon his farm, by one Ed- 
w^ard Fitzpatrick, an Irishman in the employ of Campbell. 

Authorities differ as to the exact locality. Some say the 
house in which he (C.) lived stood upon the farm now 
owned by II. D. Rice, others that it was some more than a 
mile south of that point, and in that part of Rutland since 
set off to Paxton. The evidence appears to be in favor of 
the latter. 

The murderer was arrested, tried, and convicted, at the 
September term of His JNIajesty's Superior Court held at 
Worcester on the eighteenth day of said month ; Paul Dud- 
ley on the bench, William Brattle, Attorney General, Thom- 
as Wheeler, foreman of the jury. The warrant for his exe- 
cution, to take place Oct. 18th, was issued Sept. 2'2d, only 
thirty days from the sitting of the Court to the day of his 
execution. 

The Courts in those days knew but little about the "" law's 
delay," though there was one thing in which his (C's.) ad- 
ministrators (Benj. Flagg and John Chandler,) were as well 
posted as they are at the present day, for they had but 
£10, OS. to return out of an estate appraised at £9o2, b.f. 

Upon the headstone at Campbell's grave in the old ceme- 
tery, may be seen the following inscription : 



184 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

" Here lies buried y^ body of Daniel Campbell, born in 
Scotland, came into New England,' Anno 1716, was murder- 
ed on his own farm in Rutland by Ed. Fitzpatrick, an Irish- 
man, on March y^ 8 Anno 1744, in y^ 48 year of his age. 

Man knoweth not his timey 

It is possible that there is an error in the date upon the 
headstone, as we find by the Court records that Fitzpatrick 
was indicted for committing the murder on the 12th day of 
^larch instead of the 8th. It may add somewhat to the in- 
terest of this case that it was the first murder committed in 
the county, and Fitzpatrick the first man"* executed for that 
crime. 

Credit is due to Hon. Clark Jillson of Worcester for many 
of the facts in this case. He is compiling a work, which his 
own language will best explain. "I propose to give in this 
work a concise and authentic account of all the executions 
which have transpired in this county, together with biograph- 
ical sketches of those who have here suffered the Death 
Penalty, and to notice such other facts and incidents con- 
nected therewith as would seem to be of interest to the 
general reader." 

FREE MASONRY. 



An organization of Masons was established in 181 2^ 
known as " Thompson Lodge," named for, or after, the Rev. 
James Thompson, D. D. of Barre, who held at that time the 
office of D. D. G. M. The first meeting preparatory to the 
organization was held at the hotel of Luke Robinson, June 
22d. The Constitution and By Laws were adopted in Octo- 

*John Hamilton alias Hugh Henderson was executed at Wor- 
cester, Oct. 27, 1787, for burghiry. 



HISTORY OF IIUTLAND. 185 

ber of the same year. For some years this was one of the 
largest and most flourishing Lodges in the State, holding 
its meetings in the hall built for their use by one of its 
members, (Mr. Daniel King,) now owned by Dr. Slocomb. 
The Lodge included members from many of the neighbor-, 
ing towns. The last meeting according to the records was 
held in December, 1826. Charles Chaffin, late of Holden, 
Secretary. It is not certain that more than three of its 
members are now livinir, viz : John Estabrook, now of Bos- 
ton, David W. P^letcher and Jonathan A. Clark of Rutland. 

CASUALTIES BY FIRE.— Page 7L 

The following list embraces most of the fires that have 
occurred in town since 1836. 

1844, Oct. 25,— House of Abel Baker. 
1849, Jan. 7, — Congregational church. 
1856, Feb. 17,— House of C. G. Howe. 
18'>8, Oct. 3, — House of Leonard Wilson. 
1864, March 20,— House of H. P. Lovering. 
=*1866, July 26,— Barn of A. H. Temple. 
1867, Nov. 6,— Barn of D. Malony. 
1870, Oct. 18,— House of W. M. Warner. 
1870, Oct. 18, — House and barn of E. Hubbard. 
1873, Aug. 7, — House and barn of H. Maynard. 

1873, Nov. 4,— House of J. S. Bartlett. 

1874, July 4,— House of C. M. Holden. 
1874, Oct. 8,— Barn of C. M. Holden. 

1874, Nov. 10,— l^asket Shop of R. J. Brooks, Jr. 

1875, Jan. 1, — House and barn of J. Newcomb. 
1875. April 28, — Barn of George Black. 
*1875, July 5, — Barn of S. Severns. 

1875, Oct. 25, — Basket shop of R. J. Brooks, Jr, 



186 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

1875, Oct. 25, — House of R. Campeon. 

1876, Jan. 5, — Grist and saw mill of C. Homer. 
1876, April 29, — House and mill of W. J. Stearns. 
1876, May 17, — House and barn of R. J. Brooks, Jr. 
*1876, June 25,— Barn of J. W. Munroe. 

1876, Aug. 11, — Basket shop of C. Pierce. 

1876, Sept. 3,— Barn of G. A. Putnam. 

]876, Sept. 13, — House and barn of Mrs. M. Tinker. 

1876, Dec. 12,— Barn of J. P. McDonnall. 

1876, Dec. 29— Barn of Henry Tyler. 

1878, March 11,— House of T. Lawless. 

1878, Aug. 21,— House and barn of J. P. McDonnall. 

Several others have occurred, among them the West Rut- 
land Hotel, Sibley's factory, Keyes' steam saw mill, Tower's 
house. Baker's house, Rockwood's house and barn. Barker's 
house, and Hefron's barn, the dates of which are not at 
hand. Sixteen of the above have occured within the limits 
of one School District, No. 7, West Rutland. Only one life 
lost, that of Daniel Saunders at the burning of Col. Howe's 
house in 1856. 

*Set on fire by lightning. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Page 48. 

Calvin G. Howe, Zadock W. Gates, 

J. Warren Bigelow, Alonzo Davis. 

John A. Harris, 

PHYSICIANS. 

Among those who have practiced in town since 1836, may 
be found the names of Drs.Clapp, Saltmarsh,Ordway, Safford, 
Warren, Tripp, Newell, Rood, Herbert, Slocomb, Fellows, 
Shannon and Smith. Several of the above practiced but a 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 187 

short time in town. Tiie oldest in practice was Dr. Tripp, 
from 1849 to 1873. 

RUTLAND IN THE REBELLION. 

The following list comprises the names of soldiers, the 
branch of service, date of enlistment, date of discharge, 
death, or desertion, accredited to the town in the Rebellion 
of 1861-5. 

AbPvEVIATions.— (B.) Battery; (I.) Infantry; (C.) Cavalry; 
(11. A.) Heavy Artillery; (R. A.) Regular Army; (F. C.) Frontier 
Cavalry; (B. R.) Battalion of Rifles; (M.) Musician; (As.) Assis_ 
tant Surgeon. The first date refers to enlistment, the second, to 
discharge. 

Baker, Lyman A., 51st L, Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 

Bartlett, Charles R , " '' 

Bartlett, George F., 25th L, Sept 27, '61,— Dec. 1, '63. 
Re-enlisted, 25th L, Dec. 3, '63— July 13, '65. 

Bemis, Roswell, 10th B., Sept. 9, '62— June 9, '6'). 

Bemis, Herman N., 10th B., Aug. 30, '64— June 9, '65. 

Briant, Wm. E. Jr., 25th I., Sept. 23, '61. Killed at Cold 
Harbor, Va., June 3, '61. 

Brown, Edward, 2d I., June 16, '64— July 14, '65. 

Childs, Jona. E., 10th B., Sept. 9, '62. Died at Wash- 
ington, D. C, Nov. 15, '62. 

Dean, Perrin, 51st L, Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 

Dean, Martin B., 2d H. A., Dec. 7, '63. Died at Ander- 
sonville, Ga., '64. 

Demond, Chauncy P., 25th L, Sept. 21, '61— Dec. 1, '63. 
Re-enlisted, 25th I., Dec. 2, '63. Died of wounds 
July 10, '64. 

Evens, John, 26th L, Aug. 2, '64— July 14, '65. 

Edgley, George, (58th I.) Aug. 2, '64— July 14, '65. 



188 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Emery, Frederick, 51st. I, Sept. 25, 62— July 27, 'C^S. 

Fairbaiik, Edson, 3d B. R., May 19, '61— Aug. 3, '61. 
Re-enlisted, 51st I., Sept. 25, '62 — July 27, '63. 

Pagan, Frank, 3d I., June 16, '64. Never joined his 
Regiment. 

Fisher, Alvin B., 10th B., Sept. 9, '62— June 9, '65. 

Forbush, Edwin J., 51st I., Nov. 20, '62— July 27, '63. 

Foster, George W., 57th I., Jan. 4, '64— July 30, '65. 

Foster, Albert C, 57th I., Jan. 4, '64— July 30, '65. 

Flagg, George P., 20th L, Aug. 31, '61— July 9, '62. 

Gibbs, Joseph, 51st I., Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 

Green, Samuel C, 51st I., Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 

Gore, Ferdinand, F. C, Dec. 30, '64— June 30, '65. 

Goodwin, James M., 14th B., Dec. 21, '64— June 16, '65. 

Harrigan, Patrick, F. C, Dec. 30, '64— June 30, '65. 

Hill, George A., 12th B, Dec. 20,;64— July 25, 'Go. 

Howe, Edson H., M. 36th I., Aug. 6, '62. Died at An- 
dersonville, Ga., March 25, '64. 

Howe, Edwin, 31st I., Jan. 31, '62. Died at Seabrook 
Landing, S. C, March 8, '62. 

Hunt, George L., 10th B., Sept. 9, '62— June 9, '65. 

Hooker, John W., R. A., July 31, '64— July. 

Holmes, Edwin H.. 51st I., Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 

Judkins, Oliver P., 21st L, July 19, '61— Aug. 1, '63. 
Re-enlisted, 32d I., Jan. 2, '64— July 12, '65. 

McCarty, John, 51st I., Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 

McDonough, C. E., 36th I., Aug. 5, '62— P^eb. 18, '63. 

McKnight,John,2d H. A., Aug. 2.'64. Deser. Dec. 10,'64. 

Lane, Elbridge, M. 13th L, July 26, '61— Aug. 31, 'Q2. 

Lakin, George, 13th I., July 24, '63. Deser. Aug. 20, '63. 

Leonard, Benj. L., 57th L, Jan. 11, '64— July 30, '65. 

Leonard, Daniel A., 57th I., Jan. 11, '64. Died of wounds 
at Danville, Va., Sept. 9, '64. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 189 

Martin, James, 51st I., Sept. 25, '62— July 27, 'G3. 

Mason, Brown, F. C, Dec. 30, 'G4— June 30, '65. 

Moulton, M. R., 51st I., Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 

Moulton, H. v., 25th L, Jan. 3, '64— July 13, '6o. 

Mills, John S., 57th I., Jan. 4, '64. Died at Annapolis, 
Md., April 15, 'G5. 

Moore, Bryant J., 2d C, Jan. 14, '64. Deser. July 1, '64. 

Morse, Frederick, 2d C, Dec. 27, '64— Jan. 6, '65. 

Murray, James, 7th B., Dec. 23, '64— Nov. 10, '66. 

Oliver, Hiram B., 10th B., Sept. 9, '62— June 9, '65. 

Orvill, John, F. C, Dec. 30, '64— June 30, 'G5. 

Parker, Chas. E., 51st I., Sept. 25, '62. Died on board 
transport " Convoy," July 7, '63. 

Parker, Isaac E., 21st I., July 19, '61. Discharged for 
disability. 

Parsons, Hill, 1st. C, June 14, '64. Never joined Reg't. 

Phelps, George B., R. A., Aug. 12, '64. 

Pike, Charles E., 30th L, Oct. 15, '61— April 11, 62. 

Preston, Edward F., 1st B., Sept. 30, '61— March 20, '62. 

Rawson, Joseph K., 25th I., June 5, '64. Missing since 
May 16, '65, supposed killed. 

Riley, Thomas, 2d I., June 14, '64. Deserted Aug. 21,^64. 

Rice, John F., 51st I., Sept. 30, '62— June 9, '63. 
Re-enlisted, 4th H. A., Ang. 22, '64— June 17, '65. 

Ricker, Irvin, 2d C, Dec. 27, '64— July 27, '65. 

Rood, James T., As. 28th I., Aug, 11, '62— Nov. 30, '62. 

Rogers, Merrill T., 36th I., Aug. 13, '62— June 8, '65, sick. 

Roberts, Joshua F., 3d H. A., April 9, '65— Sept. 18, '65. 

Russell, Edward, 2d I., June 15, '64. Never joined Reg't. 

Sanderson, Alfred A., 51st I., Sept. 30, '62— July 27, '63. 

Sanderson, Pliny W., 51st I., Sept. 30, '62— July 27, 63. 

Shaffer, Jacob, 25th I., Aug. 7, '62— Oct. 20, '64. 

Smith, David F., 51st I., Sept. 30, '62— July 27, '63, 
16 



190 HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 

Smith, Frank W., 51st I., Sept. 30, '62— July 27, '63. 
Smith, Daniel H, 51st L, Sept. 30, '62— July 27, '63. 
Smith, James D., 10th B., Sept. 9, '62— June 9, '65. 
Smith, David W., 4th H. A., Aug. 2, '64— June 17, '65. 
Smith, Sidney M., 19th L, April 14, '64. Died at home, 
Nov. 30, '64. 

Taylor, Geo. G., 39th I., July 13, '63— May 25, '65. 
Taylor, Simeon B., 4th H. A., Aug. 22, '64— June 17, '65. 
Thompson, S. C, 25th L, Sept. 21, '61— Dec. 17, '63. 
Wesson, Cyrus H., 51st I., Sept 30, '62— July 27, '63. 
Wetherbee, Albert, 51st I., Sept. 25, '62— July 27, '63. 
Wetherbee, Edward D., 20th I., July 22, '61— Aug. 1, '64. 
Welch, John, 12th B., Dec. 20, '64— July 25, '65. 
West, Charles; F. C, Dec. 30, '64— June 30, '65. 
Williams, Charles, F. C, Dec. 30, '64. Deser. Jan. 3, '65. 
Williamson, Peter, 2d L, June 15, 64— Aug. 21, '64. 
Wood, Frank, 2d H. A., June 15, '64— Sept. 3, '65. 
Woodis, Charles E., 10th B., Sept. 9, '62— June 9, '65. 

The above list is supposed to be correct. We are willing 
to be forgiven for all errors on our part, the rest we will as- 
sign to the Adjutant General. We believe there was no sol- 
dier who went from and belonged to this town, but returned 
(if at all,) with an honorable record. The deserters were 
most, if not all of them, obtained from the military junk 
shop in Boston to fill our quota. The names of twenty or 
more conscripts are omitted. We are happy to give credit 
to all our soldiers who went to the front. We will leave it 
to others to give the record of those who did not. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

A public library of ten hundred and sixty-five well select- 
ed volumes is one of our prized institutions. It has been 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND, 



191 



established fifteen or twenty years, owned and controlled by 
the town, and free to all that conform to the rules and 
regulations. 

MORTALITY. 

The following table shows the number of deaths in town 
from 1838 to 1878 inclusive, giving the average age in each 
year. 



Year. 


No Deaths. 


Age. 


Year. 


No. Deaths. 


Age. 


1886 


8 


40^ 


1858 


23 


35 


1836 


21 


34^ 


1859 


15 


511 


1837 


30 


2^i- 

33| 


1860 


23 


38J 


1839 


31 


1861 


25 


4(4 


1840 


13 


4^ 


1862 


13 


44' 


1841 


25 


44| 
47I 


1863 


SO 


4(if 


1842 


18 


1864 


21 


33^ 


1K43 


24 


33A 


1865 


22 


44 


1844 


18 


46| 


1866 


16 


36 


1845 


24 


38 


1867 


14 


37 


1846 


34 


44 


1868 


16 


01 


1847 


20 


42^ 


1869 


18 


41| 


1848 


22 


43| 
44 i 


1870 


17 


56 


1849 


17 


1871 


20 


47I 


1850 


18 


46^ 


1872 


12 


1851 


24 


45 


1873 


15 


4l| 


1852 


33 


46 


1874 


16 


41* 

50 


1853 


15 


47 


1875 


18 


1854 


25 


39f 

37i 


1876 


16 


60i 


1855 


32 


1877 


20 


67| 


1856 


22 


48i 


1878 


9 


6l| 


1857 .. 


15 


4li 






4 



In order to give the exact average for each year we should 
be obliged to make use of very many fractions. The above 
table gives the average very near. 

It will be found that the above table gives a less number 
of deaths than are recorded in the Clerk's office. The Clerk 
records all deaths that occur in town, though some may be 
residents of other towns. Such are not included in the table. 



192 HrSTORY OF RUTLAND. 



MASS. CENTRAL RAILROAD. 

By an Act of the Legislature, approved May 10, 1869, 
power was granted to Edward Denny, Joel Hay den, Francis 
Brigham, Jas. S. Draper, Constance Southworth, Edward 
Atkinson, Francis Edson, Benj. H. Tripp, Charles A. Ste- 
vens, C. C. Aldrich, Lafayette Maltby, Henry F. Hills, and 
and Philo Chapin, to locate and build a road with the above 
title, from Williamsburg in Hampshire Co. to Mill Village 
in Sudbury, Middlesex Co., there to unite with the Wayland 
and Sudbury Branch to its terminus near Stony Brook Sta- 
tion on the Fitchburg road. Time granted for building, six 
years. Capital stock not less than three nor over six mil- 
lions. Surveys were made, the road located, twenty per 
cent, of the stock subscribed and paid in, and in 1871, work 
was began. A large part of the grading east of Coldbrook, 
(Oakham,) was completed. In 1873, the failure or suspen- 
sion of the contractor caused most of the sub-contractors to 
go the same way. These causes, together with the financial 
crisis which came upon the country about that time, put an 
end to further operations. The time for building was ex- 
tended by an Act of the Legislature to May 1, 1877, and 
again to May 1, 1879. 

A petition will be presented at the present session (1879) 
asking for more time, also permission to extend the line 
from Stonybrook to the B. & L. road in Cambridge or Som- 
erville, and also to extend it from some point in Amherst to 
a point on the T. & G. road in the town of Conway or Deer- 
field, and various other favors too numerous to mention. 

The road as located will pass up the valley less than half 
a mile north of the Centre. The town has stock to the 
amount of $25,000, and individuals some over $20,000. 



HESTORY OK RUTLANI'. 



193 



The present Board of Directors are Silas Seymour, Pjos- 
ton ; Milton Cartwright, New York ; Francis P)rigliam, 
Fludson ; J. Edwin Smith. E. B. Shattuck. Worcester ; 
Lewis J. Dudley, Luke Lyman, Northampton ; Tlenry F. 
Hills, W. A. Dickinson, Amherst; Charles A. Cutting, Bos- 
ton ; J. S. Draper, Wayland ; Franklin B>onney, Hadley ; 
C. M. Harris, West Boylston ; J. T. Joslin, Hudson; and 
J. W. Rollins, Boston. 

The completion of the road is only a question of time. — 
Stockholders may ere long receive a dividend from the sale 
of wood growing on the line, equal no doubt to the last div- 
idend of the Farmington Canal from the sale of hay cut 
on the towpath. We leave the subject and road both in 
statu quo,\\o\)'mg that some one in the far distant future may 
be able to report its completion. 

SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN 
From 1836 to 1879. 



1836- 


— J." Green, 


1843- 


— R. Munroe, 


1850— G. A. Gates, 


' 


G. S. Flint, 




H, Brigham, 


A. Davis, 




D. VV. Fletcher. 




.J. Skinner. 


Asa Baker. 


1887- 


-G. S. Flint, 


1844- 


-R. Munroe, 


18.51— (i. A. Gates, 




D. W. Fletcher, 




H. Briuham, 


A. Davis, 




M. Demond. 




.1. Skinner. 


A. F. Brooks. 


1838- 


-D. Demond, jr. 


184.5- 


-W. F. Davis, 


1852— G. A. Gates, 




C. Bartlett, 




J. Davis, 


A. Davis, 




C. Browning. 




A. Davis. 


A. F. Brooks. 


1830- 


-0. Bartlett, 


1846- 


-W. F. Davis. 


1853— A. F. Brooks, 




C. Browning, 




D. W. Fletcher, 


.1. Davis, 




M. Doraond. 




M. Demond. 


J. L. Munroe. 


1840- 


-C. Bartlett, 


1847- 


-W. F. Davis, 


1854— A. F. Brooks, 




W. Flasg, 




D. W. Fletcher, 


J. Davis, 




J. Hokien, jr. 




G. A. Gates. 


J. L. Mnnroe. 


1841- 


-W. Fla-g, 


1848- 


-W. F. Davis, 


1855— A. ¥. Brooks, 




M. Demond, 




G. A. Gates, 


J. Davis, 




E. H. Miles. 




J. Skinner. 


J. L. Munroe. 


1842- 


-M. Demond, 


1849- 


-VV. F. Davis, 


1856— J. Davis, 




J. Miles, 




G. A. Gates, 


J. W. Bigelow, 




Jacob Reed. 




E. Broad. 


F. Hathaway. 



194 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 



1857- 


-J. Davis, 


1865- 


-J. Davis, 


1873- 


-A. Davis, 




J. W. Bigelow, 




D. W. Brooks, 




M. R. Moulton, 




F. Hathaway. 




S. Stone. 




M. Smith. 


1858- 


— G. A. Gates, 


1866- 


-F. Hatliavvay, 


1874- 


-A Davis, 




D. W. Fletcher 


) 


C. Homer, 




M. Smith, 




G, B. Monroe. 




Willis Smith. 




E. Bi2:elow. 


1859- 


-J. Davis, 


1867- 


-F. Hathaway, 


1875- 


-A. Davis, 




R. B. Miles, 




S. Stone. 




M. Smith, ' 




C. Hooker. 




C. R. Bartlett. 




G. W. Cowdin. 


1860- 


-J. Davis, 


1868- 


-A. Davis, 


1876- 


-A. Davis, 




C. Hooker, 




M. Smith, 




M. Smith, 




t^. Putnam. 




C. R. Baitlett. 




G. W. Cowdin. 


1801- 


—J. Davis, 


1869- 


-A. Davis, 


1877- 


-A. Davis, 




C. Hooker, 




M. Smith, 




G. W. Cowdin, 




8. Putnam. 




J. B. Wells. 




J. B. Wells. 


1862- 


-J. Davis, 


1870- 


-A. Davis, 


1878- 


-A. Davis, 




H. Wilson, 




J. B. Wells. 




J. B. Wells, 




Jos. Stone. 




M. R.Moulton. 




M. M. Smith. 


1863- 


-H. Wilson, 


1871- 


-A. Davis, 


1879- 


-M. R. Moulton, 




S. Stone, 




M. R. Monlton, 




M. M. Smith, 




Jos. Stone. 




C. R. Bartlett. 




B.F. Browning. 


1864- 


-J. Davis, 


1872- 


-A. Davis, 








M.Smith, 




M. R. Moulton, 








D. W. Brooks. 




C. R. Bartlett. 







reprp:sentatives to the general court 

From 1836 to 1878 Inclusive. 



1836 & '37— Geo. S. Flint. 
1838— Calvin G. Howe. 
1839 & '40— William Davis. 
1841— Warren Flagg. 
1842 — Not represented. 
1843 & '44— Henry Brigham. 
1845 & '46— D. W. Fletcher. 
1847 & '48— Wm. F. Davis. 



1849 — Not represented. 
1850 — Geo. A. Gates. 
1851— D. W. Fletcher. 
1852 — Not represented. 
1853— Miles Demond. 
1854— Chas. M. Temple. 
1855 — Abrara H. Temple. 
1856— J. Warren Bijjelow. 



The legislature of 1857 divided the State into Represent- 
ative Districts, the towns of Princeton, Rutland, and 
Oakham constituting W^orcester County District, No. 9. 



1857 — James Allen, Oakham. 
1858 — Solon S. Hastings, Princeton. 
1859 — Franklin Hathaway, Rutland. 
1860— Moses O. Ayres, Oakham. 



HISTORY OF RUTLAND. 195 

1861— Z. G. Gates, Rutlaiul. 

1862 — Joseph Davis, Rutland. 

1863 — James Packard, Oakham. 

1864 — W. B. Goodnow, Princeton. 

1865 — Alonzo Davis, Rutland. 
The new districting added the town of Holden, which 
with the three first mentioned constituted the Worcester 
County District, No. 9. 

1866 — Samuel Warren, Holden. 

1867 — P. A. Beaman, Princeton. 

1868— Willis Smith, Rutland. 

1869 — Albert Lincoln, Oakham. 

1870 & 71— Isaac N. Ross, Holden. 

1872— A. H. Goddard, Princeton. 

1873— Moses Smith. Rutland. 

1874 — Joseph F'^obes, Oakham. 

1875 F. Parker, Princeton. 
The towns of Leicester, Holden, Rutland, and Paxton 
were united and formed the Worcester County District, 
No. 11. 

1876 — J. D. Cogswell, Leicester. 

1877— W^illiam Howe, Holden. 

1878 — Chas. R. Bartlett, Rutland. 
The dates have reference to the year when elected. Each 
Representive was chosen for the session commencing on the 
first Wednesday of January following his election. 

TOWN CLERKS SINCE 1835. 

From 1836 to 1840— Rufus Putnam. 

1840. — Geo. Estabrook. 

1841. — Rufus Putnam. 

1842. — Geo. P^stabkook. 
From 1842 to 1863- Z. W. Gates. 
From 1863 to date. — Geo. A. Putnam. 

DELEGATE TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVEN- 
TION— 1853. 

J. L. M UN ROE. 



CONTKNTS OF SUPPLEMENT. 



Dedication, - - - - - 170 

Introduction, - - - - -171 

Cemeteries, - - - - - - 173 

Religious Societies, - - - - 174 

Ecclesiastical History, - - - - 175 

Deacons, - - - - - -176 

Muster Roll of Minute Men, 1775, - - 176 

List of ^' Alarm Men," 1775, - - - 177 

Members of Capt. Earle's Company, 1777, - 178 

Decease of Revolutionary Soldiers, - - - IJl) 

Soldiers of the Revolution, - - - 180 

War of 1812—15, - - - - 182 

War with Mexico, - - - - 183 

Murder of Mr. Campbell, - - - - 183 

Free Masonry, - - - - - 184 

Casualties by Fire, - - - - -185 

Justices of the Peace, - - - - 186 

Physicians, - - - - . -186 

Rutland in the Rebellion, - - - 187 

Mortality, - - - - - - 191 

Massachusetts Central Railroad, - - 192 

Selectmen of the Town, - - - - 193 

Representatives to General Court, - - 194 

Town Clerks, - - - - - 195 

Delegate to Constitutional Convention, - - 195 

RB 13 6. 







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